Rolling coverage of the 2025 Hobart International
A dominant third set propelled American McCartney Kessler to victory over Elise Mertens in Saturday’s Hobart International final, denying the Belgian a third crown. Get the latest in our rolling coverage.
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McCartney Kessler quashed Elise Mertens’ hopes of securing a third Hobart International crown after the American’s dominant third set iced victory in Saturday’s final.
Number two seed Mertens is the only player to win the title multiple times after she backed up her maiden WTA title in 2017 with a successful defence a year later.
But world no.67 Kessler ensured she would win her second WTA title with a 6-4 3-6 6-0 triumph.
The win adds to Kessler’s first WTA victory at Cleveland in August, and is the ideal tune up before she boards a flight to Melbourne on Saturday night for her Australian Open first round clash with China’s Shuai Zhang on Tuesday.
Kessler broke Mertens in the first game of the match and went on to claim the first set 6-4, before the Belgian broke her twice in the second set to win it 6-3.
Mertens landed 83 per cent of first serves in the second set, winning more than 60 per cent of those points to level the match.
But Kessler dominated the final set, converting on all three break points to cruise to victory.
The 25-year-old won 12 of 15 service points in the third set, and 14 of 20 on her return to shut down Mertens.
“I’m super excited to have gotten my second title and happy to start the year off strong as well,” Kessler said.
“The first title was amazing but knowing I can come back and do it again, and hopefully do it again in the future, is really great.
“We’ve worked on some stuff in my game, but the biggest thing is mentally. Showing up mentally every day has allowed to me to perform all through a tournament.”
The match was halted for a few minutes in the first set as medical officials tended to a medical emergency in the crowd.
Kessler was leading Mertens 5-2 when the chair umpire called a suspension to play while a distressed patron was tended to.
Players returned to court after about six minutes to continue the decider.
Kessler said Merten’s previous success at the tournament made it a bigger priority to put the foot to the throat early in the third set.
“Knowing she’s had a lot of success here helped me really focus in the third set. She’s been there and won this tournament, so I knew I couldn’t give up any free points early on,” she said.
“The second set was a little shaky for a minute, but I felt like when I was able to serve well it was great. And if I didn’t, I knew I could get some opportuniteis to get a break back as well.”
In the doubles final, Fang-Hsien Hu and Xinyu Jiang were too strong for Romania’s Monica Niculescu and Hungary’s Fanny Stollar.
The number four seeds from China and Chinese Taipei breezed through the first set 6-1 in just 22 minutes, before winning a marathon second set 7-6 (8-6).
JOINT FULL OF BELIEF BEFORE AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Rising star Maya Joint will enter her maiden Australian Open full of confidence after her fairytale Hobart International run ended against Belgian Elise Mertens in Friday’s semi finals.
After losing the first set 6-2, the Australian teenager put up a greater fight in the second set. But Mertens set up her win after breaking Joint from 40-0 down at 3-3 in the second set to prevail 6-3.
Already the only multiple winner in the tournament’s 30 year history, world no.34 Mertens now has a chance to add a third crown to her back-to-back titles of 2017 and 2018 in Saturday’s final against American McCartney Kessler.
Joint has captivated the Tasmanian crowds with her giant killing run, and the world no.118 also became the youngest Australian to win an ITF 75 event at last year’s Burnie International.
She said her run in Hobart gives her belief before she takes on her maiden Australian Open campaign next week.
“She played really well. I’ve had a lot of good matches this tournament so I’m really happy with how I did,” Joint said.
“It’s the furthest I’ve gone in a (WTA) 250, it gives me good confidence going into the Australian Open.
“I’m really excited. My family is from there, my dad’s from Melbourne and I have a lot of family coming out to watch me play, which is really exciting.”
Mertens was full of praise for Joint, and predicted big things from the 18-year-old.
“She’s an incredible player and has a bright future ahead,” Mertens said.
“I’m like 11 years older so now I’m feeling pretty old.”
The final will be played from 1pm on Saturday.
KESSLER HOLDS NERVE TO BOOK FINALS SPOT
American McCartney Kessler is one victory away from a second WTA singles title after holding her nerve late in Friday’s 4-6 6-3 6-4 Hobart International semi final win over Elina Avanesyan.
In a match where both players struggled on serve with 14 breaks in total, the world no.67 reeled off the last four games to book her spot in Saturday afternoon’s decider.
Kessler claimed her maiden WTA title at Cleveland in October, and will take on the winner of the second semi between Australian teen Maya Joint and two-time Hobart champion Elise Mertens in the final.
“I’m super excited to play again tomorrow,” Kessler said.
“It was breezy, but definitely the hottest day so far and also my toughest match so far, so a tougher day overall for sure.
“It was super close, I was getting a little bit tired, but I was able to see the finish line and push through it.”
Kessler won despite a first serve percentage of just 59 per cent, but had more joy on second serve than the no.6 seeded Armenian (51 per cent to 29 per cent).
Avanesyan looked set to prevail when she became the first player to hold serve in the third set to take a 4-2 lead, but Kessler dominated down the stretch.
It’s the first time Kessler has been taken to a third set in the tournament, having reeled off straight sets victories over Rebecca Sramkova, Maria Lourdes Carle and number one see Dayana Yastremska to make the final four.
DOUBLES FINALISTS LOCKED IN
Fang-Hsien Hu and Xinyu Jiang are through to the doubles final after outlasting top seeds Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls in a tight semi final on Friday.
The number four seeds from Chinese Taipei and China respectively won a super tie break to advance to Saturday’s decider after a 6-4 5-7 (13-11) victory.
They will take on Romania’s Monica Niculescu and Hungary’s Fanny Stollar in the final.
Stollar and Niculescu earned direct passage to the decider after Sofia Kenin and Magda Linette withdrew from their semi due to a Linette injury.
SEMI-FINALS TAKE SHAPE
Aussie teenager Maya Joint has continued her breakthrough tournament at the Hobart International after winning through to the semi-finals.
The 18-year-old, who was born in America, stunned 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin in straight sets on Thursday afternoon in straight sets 6-3 6-1.
Speaking on court post-match, Joint simply said she had “no” expectation of playing this well this week.
“I’m just so excited to be in the semis, I just can’t wait to play,” she said.
“I just take it one match at a time, one point at a time. Try to play the best I can.
“It’s crazy, I feel great right now.
While the first set was a tight affair early, a break in the fourth game of the match allowed Joint to take control of the contest.
She would win nine of the next 12 games to storm into the semis, her first at WTA level.
In what was arguably the biggest win of her career to date, Joint was quick to downplay the achievement.
“I think I played really well,” she said.
“She (Kenin) definitely tested me. She hit the ball very flat.”
Joint wasn’t finished for the day either, set to play a doubles quarter-final alongside Talia Gibson during the night session.
Earlier in the day, McCartney Kessler booked her place in the final four after beating number one seed Dayana Yastremska in straight sets 7-5 6-4 in a tough match.
Supported by her parents and four family friends in the crowd, an excited Kessler was soaking in the moment.
“It feels great, I’m excited to have won today and happy to live another day,” she said.
“She’s (Yastremska) a great player, I try not to look at the seeding of the draws too much and just focus on the game plan.”
In the night session, Belgian Elise Mertens kept her hopes of claiming a third title in Hobart alive with a tough 6-1 0-6 6-2 win over Veronika Kudermetova.
The day started on somewhat of a sour note when no.3 seed Amanda Anisimova was forced to withdraw.
The American pulled out through illness, handing Armenian Elina Avanesyan a walkover into the semis.
ANISIMOVA FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM THURSDAY’S QUARTER FINALS
The Hobart International’s quarter finals line up for Thursday has copped a blow with no.3 seed Amanda Anisimova forced to withdraw.
The American has pulled out through illness, handing Armenian Elina Avanesyan a walkover into the semis.
All four quarter finals will be played on Thursday, with Ukrainian no.1 one seed Dayana Yastremska beginning proceedings against American McCartney Kessler.
Amanda Anisimova is next up against Elina Avanesyan, before former champion Sofia Kenin takes on Aussie young gun Maya Joint.
Two-time winner Elise Mertens is last on court against Veronika Kudermetova in the night session.
AUSSIE YOUNG GUN THROUGH TO THE QUARTERS
Aussie rising star Maya Joint is quickly catching the attention of the tennis world.
The 18-year-old secured the best win of her young career after upsetting Hobart International fourth seed and world No.38 Magda Linette on Wednesday afternoon in straight sets 6-1 6-1.
In the best win of her career, the American-born prospect dominated from start to finish with the Stan Sport commentator declaring “she is a frightening prospect and no one will want to face her” post-match.
Joint’s win has now set up a WTA Tour quarter-final debut where she will face 2020 Australian Open grand slam winner Sofia Kenin.
Kenin booked her place in the final eight after a 6-2 3-6 6-2 win over Anna Blinkova.
After the match, Joint said she was looking forward to continuing the opportunity she has created for herself.
“I feel great, I played really great today,” she said.
“I think it helped I play a match on this court yesterday (Tuesday), I got used to the conditions, got used to the surroundings.
“I’m excited to play another match. I think I’ve been playing really well.
“Just keep seeing if I can play the way I have been.”
Playing in Hobart for the first time, after featuring at the Brisbane International last week, Joint said she was enjoying every minute of the experience.
“It means the world to mean,” she said.
“It’s so nice to play in my home country. So many people came today, the stands were almost full, I really felt the support.”
In other second round results no.2 seed Elise Mertens’ quest for a third title remains alive after the Belgian won a tough two set contest against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua 6-4 6-3 on Wednesday night.
Another former champion Sofia Kenin is through to the last eight after a 6-2 3-6 6-2 win over Anna Blinkova, no.1 seed Dayana Yastremska also required three sets to defeat Ann Li 1-6 7-5 6-2 and American no.3 seed Anna Anisimova disposed of Anna Bondar 6-3 6-4.
A HUGE DAY AWAITS
Places in the quarter-finals of the Hobart International will go on the line today with a series of exciting match ups set to take place.
Aussie rising star Maya Joint will be first up on centre court when she takes on fourth seed Magda Linette.
Their game will be followed by top seed Dayana Yastremska who faces off against American Ana Li.
The first games of the day will be on the west court, where Sofia Kenin takes on Anna Blinkova, while on court 8. Maria Lourdes Carle and McCartney Kessler will do battle.
MONOPOLY DEAL THE WAY FORWARD?
Rising Australian tennis prospect Maya Joint might not have much time for a new off court hobby if her promising start to the season continues.
The 18-year-old won through to the last 16 of the Hobart International on Tuesday afternoon with a straight sets win over Serbia’s Olga Danilovic, the world No.53.
It marked another promising moment in the early stages of the American born right-hander’s career after she beat fellow Aussie Maddison Inglis at the Brisbane International before losing to former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka.
Speaking post-match in Tasmania, Joint said playing Monopoly Deal with her team had been key in her preparation in recent weeks.
“My team and I play a lot of cards, before matches, after matches to fill the day,” Joint said.
“We started a season tally and I’m losing so I need to get back in it.
“I played really well today. Everything just seemed to work.”
With three WTA Tour career wins to her name, the third highest ranked female Aussie said she is starting to find more confidence.
Joint enjoyed a stunning season in 2024, rising up the rankings to the top-125 after starting the year 684th.
“It feels good it wasn’t a one-time, two-time fluke. (It shows that) I can do it again,” she said.
“I’m just really glad I’ve been playing well lately.
“It helped me feel that I was at that level. I’ll take confidence from it, try to keep playing the way I’ve been playing.
“I knew I didn’t really have pressure in this match.”
Fan favourite Daria Saville saw her campaign end as it started going down in straight sets to American third seed Amanda Anisimova 6-3 6-3.
Joint enjoyed the conditions in Hobart after teaming up on day one of the competition with fellow Aussie Talia Gibson to win a doubles clash against countrywomen Alexandra Bozovic and Kaylah McPhee in straight sets.
She will now fourth seed Magda Linette for a place in the quarter-finals.
AUSSIE SENSATION THROUGH
Rising Australian tennis star Maya Joint has continued her promising start to the season after winning through to the next round of the Hobart International.
The 18-year-old overcame Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in straight sets 6-2 6-3 on centre court on Tuesday afternoon.
It was an impressive performance from Joint who won 77.4 per cent of her first serve points.
Such was her dominance on serve, Joint did not give up any break point opportunities to Danilovic and managed to win four of her own.
In other matches throughout the day, American wildcard and grand slam champion Sofia Kenin sent fifth seed Lulu Sun of New Zealand packing with a come from behind 4-6 6-3 6-3 win.
Top seed, Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, survived a scare from American Katie Volynets to progressing in three sets.
The 24-year-old prevailed 2-6 6-4 6-1.
In other results, fourth-seed Madga Linette secured a three-set win over Varvara Gracheva of France while Ann Li beat American counterpart Sloane Stephens in straight sets and Anna Binkova prevailed against Bernarda Pera.
AUSSIES HIGHLIGHT DAY TWO ACTION
There will be a strong local flavour in Tuesday’s Hobart International with an Aussie duo on in action.
Rising teenage star Maya Joint will take on Olga Danilović in the second match on centre court before Daria Saville kicks off the night session with a clash against American third seed Amanda Anisimova.
There has been a slight change to the schedule with Lucia Bronzetti replace Clara Tauson who has been forced to withdraw due to injury.
Bronzetti will take on Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina.
DAY ONE COMES TO AN END
2024 semi-final finalist Yue Yuan of China was one of the big names to fall on day one as she went down to Colombia’s Camila Osorio 6-2 6-3.
In the night’s other singles match Veronika Kudermetova moved through to the next round with a straight sets win over Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy.
It comes as shared tournament director Darren Sturgess declared organisers are hoping to see more than 20,000 spectators through the gates this week.
“We had record crowds last year nearly with nearly 17,000. Up until Thursday primary school aged kids go free with a general admission ticket so we’re really encouraging people to come along, bring the family, there’s plenty of off court activities to enjoy,” he said.
DELIGHT FOR AUSSIE YOUNG GUNS
Two of Australia’s most exciting young talents have combined to win through to the next round of the doubles tournament.
Maya Joint and Talia Gibson stormed to a 6-3 6-1 victory over fellow countrywomen Alexandra Bozovic and Kaylah McPhee.
Joint will start her singles campaign on Tuesday, drawn against Olga Danilović of Serbia.
Fan favourite Daria Saville will also be in action when she takes on America’s Amanda Anisimova.
ACTION CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Argentina’s Maria Lourdes Carle picked up an impressive win in her clash with Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain prevailing 6-3 3-6 6-0 in a rollercoaster clash.
Carle had to overcome nine double faults to three to secure the result but capitalised on seven of 11 break point opportunities.
Meanwhile, in the second match on centre court Greet Minnen secured a 7-5 6-3 win over Viktoriya Tomova.
Minnen will now meet Elina Avanesyan in the next round.
RISING STAR KEEN TO BUILD ON HISTORIC 2024
Rising Armenian tennis player Elina Avanesyan is determined to continue building on her historic 2024.
The 22-year-old ramped up her Australian Open preparations with an opening round win at the Hobart International on Monday, securing a straight sets win over China’s Wang Xiyu, 7-6 6-3.
Last year, Avanesyan who was born in Russia to Armenian parents switched her allegiances and in doing so became the first player representing the country to be ranked in the women’s top-100.
Currently sitting at No. 44, she was the first Armenian in the top-500 since Ani Amiraghyan who reached No. 422 in August 2013.
“It is a big moment for me to represent Armenia,” Avanesyan said post-match on Monday.
“I just want to keep improving and do better.”
Avanesyan admitted she can sometimes have a love-hate relationship with the game but said it was a matter of continuing to push forward.
“You always really want to do well but it’s impossible with tennis sometimes,” she said.
“You lose basically every week even if you’re Serena (Williams or Roger) Federer. You have to be prepared for that and sometimes you hate it.
“But you have to get up the next day and keep working and keep dreaming.”
On the lighter side of her preparation, Avanesyan said she didn’t have any pre-match superstitions but did each the same breakfast of poached eggs every day.
“If they work this week, I’ll do it forever,” she joked.
In other opening day matches, seventh seed Rebecca Šramková was sent packing after going down to American McCartney Kessler in straight sets.
Hungary’s Anna Bondár claimed the opening match on centre court with a straight sets win over Egypt’s Mayar Sherif after coming through qualifying.
FIRST MATCHES COMPLETED
The first two games of the Hobart International have been completed and there has already been an upset.
Sixth seed Elina Avanesyan won through in 7-6 6-3 against China’s Wang Xiyu.
There was an early upset with American McCartney Kessler getting the better of Slovakia’s Rebecca Šramková 6-3 7-5.
Kessler’s ability to win five of a possible eight break points was pivotal in the result.
DAY ONE DRAW
CENTRE COURT
[Q] A. Bondar (HUN) vs M. Sherif (EGY)
V. Tomova (BUL) vs [Q] G. Minnen (BEL)
[WC] T. Gibson (AUS) / M. Joint (AUS) vs [WC] A. Bozovic (AUS) / K. McPhee (AUS)
NB 6:30 PM [8] Y. Yuan (CHN) vs C. Osorio (COL)
V. Kudermetova vs E. Cocciaretto (ITA)
WEST COURT
M. Kessler (USA) vs [7] R. Sramkova (SVK)
O. Kalashnikova (GEO) / Q. Tang (CHN) vs [3] S. Kenin (USA) / M. Linette (POL)
M. Kato (JPN) / R. Zarazua (MEX) vs A. Blinkova / M. Sherif (EGY)
T. Moore (GBR) / V. Tomova (BUL) vs A. Moratelli (ITA) / K. Piter (POL)
COURT 8
[Q] Xiy. Wang (CHN) vs [6] E. Avanesyan (ARM)
[Q] M. L. Carle (ARG) vs J. Bouzas Maneiro (ESP)
M. Lumsden (GBR) / A. Siskova (CZE) vs [2] U. Eikeri (NOR) / M. Ninomiya (JPN)
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