🎾 WTA Madrid R1: McCartney Kessler vs Bianca Andreescu

🎾 WTA Madrid R1: McCartney Kessler vs Bianca Andreescu – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇨🇦 Bianca Andreescu

• ⏳ Long-awaited comeback: Returned to action in Rouen after 9 months out, losing a tight 3-setter to Suzan Lamens.
• 🩺 Injury battles: Multiple setbacks since her 2019 US Open title have limited her consistency and fitness.
• 📍 Madrid record: Reached the third round in 2022, but went winless in 2023. Still seeking rhythm after long layoff.

🇺🇸 McCartney Kessler

• 🏆 Hard-court success: Titles in Hobart (2025) and Cleveland (2024), thriving on North American surfaces.
• 📉 Clay growing pains: Winless on European clay so far; lost a close match to Fiona Ferro in Rouen last week.
• 📈 Top-50 breakthrough: Enjoying a career-best season with steady WTA 250/500 results, now ranked inside the top 50.

🔍 Match Breakdown

This clash presents a fascinating contrast: a former Grand Slam champion seeking form after a long break vs a rising star adapting to clay. Andreescu’s ability to construct points and counterpunch effectively could trouble Kessler if she finds her range—but the Canadian is still rusty and match-shy.

Kessler enters with confidence, rhythm, and a strong work ethic, but the Madrid altitude may take time to adapt to. Her clay instincts aren’t as refined as Andreescu’s, but her fitness and consistency could tip the balance.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: McCartney Kessler in 3 sets

Andreescu will compete hard and likely steal a set, but her lack of match sharpness and clay rhythm could allow Kessler to edge through in a tight one.