Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | Second Round
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Jessica Pegula faces McCartney Kessler for a place in the third-round of the Australian Open.
Start date/time:
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler ticket information
Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler prediction
Jessica Pegula began her Australian Open in dominant fashion as she crushed Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets. The American created 15 break point opportunities in total as she won 6-2 6-1 after just an hour and six minutes. Pegula lost in the third-round last year, with her best result being three quarter-finals in a row from 2021 to 2023.
She takes on McCartney Kessler next. Kessler beat Emiliano Arango in straight sets. This was a similarly comfortable victory for Pegula's compatriot, as she wrapped up a 6-3 6-2 win after just one hour and 10 minutes.
These two played doubles together earlier in the tournament, losing in the first-round. They have faced each other on one previous occasion, with Pegula comfortably defeating Kessler in the final of the ATX Open last year. The world number six looked sharp in her opening match of the tournament and will fancy her chances of another victory in straight sets.
Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler tip: Jessica Pegula to win 2-0
