The stage is set for the final at the 2025 WTA Hobart 250, featuring Elise Mertens, a two-time champion and one-time finalist at the event, and fast-rising American McCartney Kessler. Both women have played great tennis throughout the event, and this matchup promises to be an exciting showdown. But only one can claim the title of 2025 Hobart champion. Who will it be?
WTA Hobart Final Prediction
McCartney Kessler vs Elise Mertens
Head-to-Head: First meeting
After a strong start to the year on the lower tiers, including titles in Rome(GA), Puerto Vallarta, and Landisville, McCartney Kessler secured her spot in the Top 100 last August with a surprise victory at the Cleveland WTA 250. She defeated Potapova and Haddad Maia to claim the title, signaling her arrival on the big stage. Since then, she had not been able to replicate that kind of level, mostly losing in the first rounds. She is, however, back in a WTA final after a successful tournament in Hobart, confirming that she is here to stay. This week, she has already beaten three Top 50 players.
Standing in her way from a second career WTA title is two-time Hobart champion Elise Mertens, who won the event back-to-back in 2017 and 2018. The Belgian, second seed of the tournament, has enjoyed an easier path to the final, facing no opponents ranked inside the Top 75. Regardless of the strength of her schedule, she clearly enjoys playing in Tasmania, and she will be very hard to beat in her fourth final at this venue.
Kessler was very impressive in the last two sets against sixth seed Elina Avanesyan. She was aggressive every time she had the chance, and her backhand was particularly good on the day. Mertens, on the other hand, displayed her trademark consistency, pressuring Joint’s serve with great returning and making good use of her soft touch at the net.
This final will likely be a battle of Kessler’s aggression versus Mertens’ solidity. Can the American consistently hit through Mertens? Given that Kessler was broken six times in her semifinal, and considering Mertens’ ability to relentlessly put pressure on her opponents’ serve with her flat strokes, the Belgian enters the final as a slight favorite to claim her third Hobart title.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
