DAVID KANE: I’ll go big and bet on surging American McCartney Kessler, who many on and off the court are still getting to know. The former college standout has hit the ground running since turning pro last year, winning her first WTA title in Cleveland and ending the season ranked inside the Top 70. She peaked inside the Top 50 earlier this year after winning her second title in Hobart and scored her first Top 10 win over Coco Gauff in Dubai. A new commodity and full of confidence, Kessler has all the makings of this year’s Emma Navarro if she stays healthy through her first main-draw Sunshine Swing.
JON LEVEY: Ben Shelton has not done much at either tournament during his young career. However, he thrives on big moments in front of big crowds, and these events offer the possibility of both. So far, his winning percentage is much higher at Grand Slams, which is unusual for his stage of development. He’s bound to start breaking out in the best-of-three set format; again, these two spots present fitting opportunities. Shelton’s howitzer serve should be even more devastating in the thin desert air of Indian Wells, and he played his college ball in Florida, so he’s no stranger to Miami’s sticky conditions. Plus, he’s young enough to be motivated to go deep at both.
PETE BODO: I have to go with Emma Navarro on this one. The American men are in a bit of a lull. The old guard players led by Taylor Fritz are not conspicuously struggling so there’s no reason to panic. But they also lack momentum while the younger set may be another year or two from significant breakouts at home, where the pressure is greatest. Among the women, Australian Open champ Madison Keys probably isn’t very hungry, given her huge win Down Under, while Coco Gauff hasn’t won a match since the Australian Open. While a respectable 8-4 on the year, Jessica Pegula appears to be less driven than she has been in the past and her movement isn’t as good. Navarro is a fighter. She has gone three sets in six of her last eight matches (5-1). She was 5-2 during the 2024 Sunshine Double in her breakout 2024. The newest member of the US elite hasn’t been playing her best tennis yet this year, but she appears to be hungry and willing to fight to the bitter end.
