Anna 
McCartney Kessler, ranked No. 53 in the world, defeated American star Coco Gauff 6-4, 7-5 in the second round of the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday, February 18.
Gauff, the world No. 3, received a bye in the first round and was aiming for her first WTA 1000 victory of the season. She faced Kessler, who advanced to the second round after a strong win over Doha champion Amanda Anisimova.
The match was delayed due to rain, causing a nearly nine-hour wait before play could begin. Initially scheduled for Centre Court, the match was moved to Court 1 to accommodate the delay.
Once the action started, Kessler broke Gauff early in the first set and controlled the pace of the match. In the second set, Gauff fought back after an early break, but Kessler responded by breaking Gauff again and closing out the match.
Kessler will face either Emma Raducanu or Karolina Muchová in the third round on Wednesday, February 19, depending on the tournament schedule.
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