Kessler upsets Haddad Maia for first WTA title

American McCartney Kessler stunned No. 1 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil on Saturday, shaking off a brutal first set for a 1-6, 6-1, 7-5 victory in the final of Tennis in the Land in Cleveland.

It was Kessler's first career WTA Tour title.

Kessler thrived as an underdog in the tournament, ousting No. 4 seed Xinyu Wang of China and No. 5 seed Anastasia Potapova of Russia before completing the upset of Haddad Maia.

On Saturday, Kessler didn't get into a groove until the second set, where she took six games in a row after falling behind 1-0. The 25-year-old then trailed 3-1 in the third set before rallying for the win over Haddad Maia, who entered the match ranked No. 23 in the world.

Kessler won 32 of 46 first-serve points and matched Haddad Maia in aces and double faults with three and four, respectively.

Kessler upsets Haddad Maia for first WTA title

Kessler upsets Haddad Maia for first WTA title

Kessler upsets Haddad Maia for first WTA title

Kessler upsets Haddad Maia for first WTA title

Kessler upsets Haddad Maia for first WTA title