Ashlyn Krueger snapped a two-match losing streak with a 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 victory over Caty McNally in the Charleston Round of 64 on Tuesday. The American hit 4 aces and weathered a second-set collapse to advance at the WTA hard court event.
Krueger took the opening set comfortably before McNally stormed back, dropping just one game in the second. But the deciding set belonged to Krueger, who steadied her serve after committing 8 double faults across the match—double McNally’s 4. Despite winning fewer total points (83 to McNally’s 91), Krueger controlled the crucial moments in the first and third sets to close out the win in just over two hours.
The victory marks Krueger’s first main draw win since Indian Wells, ending a stretch that saw her fall in consecutive matches at Miami and Indian Wells to higher-ranked opponents. McNally, who had won back-to-back matches at Miami before losing to Aryna Sabalenka, couldn’t replicate that form on Charleston’s hard courts.
Key Takeaways
- Krueger’s 4 aces proved decisive despite hitting 8 double faults, matching her season average of 4.4 but significantly above McNally’s cleaner 4 double faults.
- McNally dominated first serve points (57% to 49%), yet Krueger’s edge on second serve (36% to 32%) helped her survive the marathon match despite winning 8 fewer total points.
- The match exposed both players’ recent inconsistency—Krueger arrived 3-7 in her last 10 matches, McNally 4-6—but Krueger’s ability to rebound from the second-set bagel proved the difference in a tight third set.
- Krueger’s first serve percentage of 66% fell below her hard court average of 70%, while McNally also dipped slightly from her 70% average, suggesting nerves affected both players in the all-American clash.
Player Analysis
Ashlyn Krueger
Krueger showed resilience when it mattered most, shaking off a disastrous second set to reclaim control in the decider. Her 4 aces fell short of her hard court average of 5.6, but the serve held up when required despite 8 double faults threatening to derail her. Winning just 49% of first serve points is a worrying number—well below her typical standard—but she compensated by edging McNally on second serve, where matches of this closeness are often decided.
The victory breaks a frustrating two-match skid against higher-ranked opponents at Miami and Indian Wells. Charleston offered Krueger a winnable draw opportunity, and she seized it despite the statistical oddity of winning fewer total points than her opponent. That she managed to close out the match after such a lopsided second set speaks to improved mental fortitude, a quality she’ll need as she pushes deeper into the draw.
Caty McNally
McNally’s second set was a masterclass—dropping just one game and utterly erasing Krueger’s first-set momentum. She won 57% of first serve points, a strong figure that should have translated to a better overall result. Her cleaner service game, with only 4 double faults compared to Krueger’s 8, gave her opportunities she couldn’t fully exploit. Winning 91 total points to Krueger’s 83 yet still losing the match underscores how narrow the margins were in the first and third sets.
The loss stings after McNally’s promising run at Miami, where she notched back-to-back wins before falling to Sabalenka. Charleston represented a chance to build on that momentum, and she came agonizingly close. At 32% second serve points won compared to Krueger’s 36%, McNally lost the baseline attrition battle when her first serve didn’t land. Against better opponents, that gap widens into a chasm.
Match Statistics
| Ashlyn Krueger | Stat | Caty McNally |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Aces | 1 |
| 8 | Double Faults | 4 |
| 66% | 1st Serve % | 63% |
| 49% | 1st Serve Points Won | 57% |
| 36% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 32% |
| 83 | Total Points Won | 91 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Ashlyn Krueger vs Caty McNally at Charleston 2026?
Ashlyn Krueger defeated Caty McNally 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in the Charleston Round of 64 on March 31, 2026.
How many aces did Ashlyn Krueger hit against Caty McNally?
Krueger hit 4 aces compared to McNally’s 1, though she also committed 8 double faults to McNally’s 4.
Who won the Charleston 2026 Round of 64 match between Krueger and McNally?
Ashlyn Krueger won 6-4, 1-6, 6-3, advancing to the Round of 32 despite winning fewer total points (83 to McNally’s 91).
What were the first serve percentages in Krueger vs McNally Charleston 2026?
Krueger landed 66% of first serves while McNally hit 63%, both slightly below their hard court averages of 70%.
What’s Next
Krueger advances to the Charleston Round of 32, where she’ll aim to extend her run beyond the R16 finish she managed at this event in 2025. McNally heads home searching for consistency after another early exit on a surface where she’s struggled to find sustained success this season.
Head-to-head history: Ashlyn Krueger vs Caty McNally.
