McCartney Kessler ends 2026 season following US Open first round exit
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last updated Sep 19, 2026

McCartney Kessler has announced the end of her 2026 season after losing in the first round of the US Open. The former top 30 player cited physical demands and a back injury as primary factors in her decision. Kessler stated on Instagram that despite this not being her preferred outcome, she recognizes the need to focus on her health. She has struggled this year, winning only 16 of her 35 matches and dropping significantly in the rankings. Kessler's absence now means she will likely need to compete in qualifying rounds for the Australian Open in 2027.
- •Kessler lost in the first round of the US Open to Ekaterina Alexandrova.
- •She has dropped from a pre-season ranking to world number 73.
- •Kessler will miss the Australian Open direct entry due to her current ranking.
- •Physical struggles have marked her 2026 season, including a back injury.
- •Kessler's announcement parallels other players also stepping back from competition.
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — American WTA player announces the end to her 2026 season, ‘it’s not what I wanted’
"McCartney Kessler has called an end to her 2026 season after the US Open. Kessler is a former top 30 player and has won three...
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