Mccartney Kessler defeated Fiona Ferro 3–6, 6–3, 6–2 in the first round of the Australian Open on hard court on 14 January 2024, recording an upset victory against the pre-match favourite. Ferro, seeded higher in the betting odds at 1.56, faltered after taking the opening set, losing momentum as Kessler rallied to claim the second and third sets with increasing authority. The American's comeback from a set down demonstrated composure and consistency as the match progressed, with Ferro unable to sustain the level required to maintain her advantage. Kessler's progression to the second round represents a notable scalp early in the year's first Grand Slam.