Coco Gauff vs McCartney Kessler Prediction 2/18/25 Dubai Tennis Picks

Coco Gauff and McCartney Kessler clash in the second round of the 2025 WTA Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Here’s our Coco Gauff vs McCartney Kessler prediction. This preview will also include a Coco Gauff vs McCartney Kessler pick.

Coco Gauff Preview

Coco Gauff was stunned in the second round of the Qatar Open this past week by Marta Kostyuk. The Middle East Swing has not been Gauff’s most productive stretch of the season in recent years, but she’s had some good results in Dubai.

She was a semifinalist two years ago and reached the quarters last season. Gauff is 9-2 in 2025, winning the United Cup title in January and reaching the last eight of the Australian Open (lost to Paula Badosa).

Last season, Gauff won 31 of 40 matches on outdoor hard courts and lifted titles in Auckland and Beijing. 

McCartney Kessler Preview

McCartney Kessler defeated newly crowned Doha champion Amanda Anisimova in straight sets. Despite entering the match as a +200 underdog, Kessler defied the odds and dropped just three games to her compatriot.

in the victory, Kessler hit one ace and one double fault. She landed 59% of first serves in play and won 89% of first serve points (24/27).

Kessler won 47% of second serve points (9/19) and saved one of two break points. The American won 54% of return points (32/59) and converted five of nine break points.

Kessler improves to 9-4 for the season and picked up her first main draw win in the Middle East.

Coco Gauff vs McCartney Kessler Head-To-Head

• Gauff and Kessler have never played before this.

Coco Gauff vs McCartney Kessler Prediction

Gauff had a disappointing result in Doha. Her solitary title in the Middle East was the WTA Finals which she won in Riyadh last season, but for this particular Swing, she’s underachieved. If that is to change, she needs to put up a statement win. And the draw obviously helps her now that she avoids the in-form Doha champion, Anisimova.

Kessler has so much potential and she’s been playing her best tennis in her mid-20s (already a two-time WTA champion) which says a lot about her focus. Still, this is just a completely different level that she will be playing in. Gauff has unmatched foot speed and rally tolerance to wear down Kessler. It’s not a question if Gauff wins this match, but by how many sets. And I can confidently see her getting it done in straight sets.