Mertens and Kessler qualify for Hobart final

The line-up for the final of the WTA 250 tournament in Hobart is now complete. Number 2 seed Elise Mertens will face McCartney Kessler this Saturday for the title.

The Belgian, two-time winner of this tournament in 2017 and 2018, dominated Maya Joint (6-2, 6-3) and has the opportunity to extend her lead as Hobart's most successful player.

Mertens had the opportunity to win her third crown in Tasmania last year, but fell to Emma Navarro in the final.

Prior to Joint, the 34th-ranked player in the world had eliminated Parrizas Diaz, Zarazua and Kudermetova. She will be playing for her 9th career title, the first since Monastir in 2023.

Opposite her, McCartney Kessler continues to confirm her progress on the circuit. At the age of 25, the world No.67 eliminated Elina Avanesyan (4-6, 6-3, 6-4) and will be playing in her second career final.

In August 2024, she won the title in Cleveland after dominating Beatriz Haddad Maia. The American had previously defeated Sramkova, Carle and Yastremska, seeded number 1 in Hobart.

Mertens and Kessler have never met before on the WTA Tour. Just before the Australian Open, both players will be looking to boost their confidence ahead of the first Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne.