In a gripping showdown at the Nottingham Open’s center court, American McCartney Kessler edged out Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia in a three-set battle, 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, during the round of 32 on June 17, 2025. The match, lasting roughly two and a half hours, showcased intense rallies and critical break points, with Kessler capitalizing on key moments. Played at the WTA Nottingham, the clash pitted the world number 42 against the 21st-ranked Brazilian, who aimed to regain her form on grass. Kessler’s victory underscores her rising momentum, having previously beaten Haddad Maia in 2024.
The match opened with both players holding serve early, setting a competitive tone. Haddad Maia, known for her baseline consistency, struggled to counter Kessler’s aggressive play. The American secured a pivotal break in the first set’s final game, while the second set went to a tiebreak, where Kessler dominated. The deciding set saw multiple breaks, with Kessler clinching victory in the 12th game.
- Key match moments:
- First set hinged on a break in the 12th game.
- Kessler controlled the second-set tiebreak.
- Third set featured back-and-forth breaks until the final game.
The loss is a setback for Haddad Maia, a former champion, while Kessler advances with confidence. The Brazilian now shifts focus to the grass season, as the American prepares for her next opponent.
🇧🇷BIA HADDAD já tem 3/0 no primeiro set contra a 🇺🇸KESSLER!pic.twitter.com/2D11geyHmz
— Info Tenis Brasil (@InfoTenisBrasil) June 17, 2025
Performance on grass
The Nottingham Open, played on grass, demands quick adaptation to the surface’s speed. Haddad Maia, the 2022 champion, entered as a favorite but faltered with five double faults and a 55% second-serve win rate, compared to Kessler’s 61%. The Brazilian hit three aces, yet struggled in clutch moments. Kessler excelled with a 72% first-serve win rate and converted 5 of 10 break points, against Haddad Maia’s 3 of 6.
Kessler’s ability to mix spins and approach the net proved effective on grass, a surface that rewards aggressive play. Her versatility shone through, despite her stronger record on indoor hard courts, where she holds a 77% win rate. Haddad Maia, meanwhile, couldn’t replicate her past grass-court success, highlighting areas for improvement.
Head-to-head history
The Nottingham clash marked the second meeting between Haddad Maia and Kessler, with the American now leading 2-0. Their first encounter, at the 2024 WTA Cleveland final, ended with Kessler winning 1-6, 6-1, 7-5. Both matches have been three-set marathons, averaging 26 games and over two hours. Kessler’s 65% win rate in deciding sets over the past year, compared to Haddad Maia’s 57%, underscores her mental toughness in tight situations.
- Head-to-head facts:
- Kessler holds a 2-0 lead.
- Both matches went to three sets.
- Average match duration: two hours and six minutes.
Road to Nottingham
Haddad Maia arrived at Nottingham with a challenging 2025 season, posting 7 wins and 17 losses. Her best result was a semifinal in Strasbourg, and she recently defeated Petra Kvitova in London before falling to Emma Navarro. The world number 21, once a top-10 player in 2024, is working to regain her peak form after notable wins over Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari.
Kessler, enjoying a breakout year, boasts a 5-5 record in her last 10 matches. Ranked 42nd, her career-high, she claimed her first WTA title in Hobart earlier in 2025. Her recent London campaign included a win over Francesca Jones but a loss to Qinwen Zheng. Kessler’s victories over Cori Gauff and Amanda Anisimova highlight her potential.
Tactical breakdown
The match showcased contrasting styles. Haddad Maia relied on defensive baseline play, aiming to extend rallies, while Kessler pushed the pace with aggressive shots and net approaches. The American won 45 return points to Haddad Maia’s 36, disrupting the Brazilian’s rhythm. Kessler’s 69 service points, against Haddad Maia’s 62, and her eight-point streaks, compared to the Brazilian’s five, proved decisive.
Haddad Maia’s five double faults, particularly in the third set, were costly. Kessler, despite three double faults, maintained better service consistency, especially in high-pressure moments. The American’s ability to vary her game kept Haddad Maia on the defensive, securing the win.
Match-defining stats
Kessler’s 114 total points edged out Haddad Maia’s 98, with the American winning 20 games to the Brazilian’s 17. Kessler held serve 15 times, compared to Haddad Maia’s 13, reflecting her slight edge in crucial moments. The stats highlight the match’s competitiveness, with Kessler making the most of her opportunities.
- Key statistics:
- Kessler: 55% first serve, 72% win rate.
- Haddad Maia: 66% first serve, 63% win rate.
- Break points: Kessler 5/10, Haddad Maia 3/6.
- Total points: Kessler 114, Haddad Maia 98.
Next steps in the tournament
Kessler advances to face the winner of Zhu Lin versus a qualifier, aiming to build on her grass-court momentum. With her top-50 aspirations, she remains a dark horse in Nottingham. Haddad Maia, exiting early, heads to London for another grass event, seeking to refine her game before Wimbledon.
Nottingham Open’s significance
The Nottingham Open kicks off the WTA grass season, serving as a Wimbledon warm-up. Held at the Nottingham Tennis Centre, it draws top players adapting to grass. In 2025, Haddad Maia led the field as top seed, with Kessler emerging as a contender. The tournament’s history, including Haddad Maia’s 2022 title, adds prestige, making Kessler’s win a notable achievement.
Player profiles
At 29, Beatriz Haddad Maia is Brazil’s tennis star, with 22 career titles, including Nottingham 2022. Her best season, 2021, saw 76 wins, and she peaked at world number 10 in 2024. McCartney Kessler, 25, is in her second full WTA season, with six titles, including Hobart 2025. Her upset over Cori Gauff marks her as a rising talent.
Grass season outlook
The brief grass season is pivotal for ranking points and Wimbledon preparation. Haddad Maia aims to rebound, leveraging her grass experience, while Kessler looks to capitalize on her form. Their Nottingham clash, a high-quality affair, suggests both could make waves in upcoming events, with their rivalry likely to grow.
