McCartney Kessler wins biggest career title at WTA 125 in Puerto Vallarta

After winning two recent USTA Pro Circuit titles in her native Georgia, McCartney Kessler claimed the biggest title of her career on Sunday at the WTA 125 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The 24-year-old entered the event's main draw as a lucky loser, then left nothing to chance as she stormed into the final without losing a set. In the title match, she defeated Australia's Taylah Preston, 5-7, 6-3, 6-0, to win her third and most prestigious professional crown.

Kessler trailed 7-5, 2-0 in the final after losing the first four break points against her, but dominated the match from there by winning 12 of the final 13 games.

"A memorable week in Mexico ending with my first WTA title," Kessler wrote on Instagram. "Overwhelmed with support from everyone."

The former University of Florida star replaced the injured Amanda Anisimova in the main draw and beat two Americans—Claire Liu (second round) and Hailey Baptiste (semis)—on her path to the trophy.

Her triumph also lifted her to a new career-high WTA ranking of world No. 120, more than 100 spots up from her No. 231 position at the start of 2024. In less than two months this season, she has earned nearly $150,000 in prize money.