Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Australian Open
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by Daniel Ngulu | in Tennis Predictions
Jessica Pegula, the sixth seed at the Australian Open, takes on compatriot McCartney Kessler in the second round. The two have met once before, but never at a major. Read on for our prediction of this match.
Jessica Pegula made a winning return to her seventh consecutive appearance in Melbourne. The world number six lost just three games against Anastasia Zakharova to make it six consecutive seasons without an opening round here.
Pegula has won four of five matches in 2026. A three-time Australian Open quarter-finalist, the 31-year-old started the season with a semi-final finish in Brisbane. Pegula defeated Kessler to lift last year’s ATX Open.
McCartney Kessler will set a new career high record at Grand Slams if she produces an upset against Pegula. The American has never won multiple matches at a major and has lost both second-round ties she has contested.
Kessler defeated Emiliana Arangon in straight sets in the first round. The win snapped a run of two successive losses and bumped her up five places to 32nd in the live ranking. Kessler has won two of four matches in 2026.
She has a poor record against top 10 players in the WTA. Last year, however, she earned both her wins against such opponents, defeating Cori Gauff and Mirra Andreeva.
Limited Offer. Currently at Bet365
The Best Betting Odds for Jessica Pegula v McCartney Kessler Match
| Bookmaker | 1 | 2 | Bonus up to |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1.22 | 4.33 |
|
|
1.21 | 4.48 |
|
|
1.2 | 4.1 |
|
|
1.23 | 4.4 |
|
|
1.23 | 4.2 |
|
Who will win the Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler Tennis game?
Our prediction for the Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler match is: exact score: 2-0.
The best winner predictions and betting odds for the Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler game on 21/01/2026 of the current WTA Australian Open season:
- Jessica Pegula has a 71.5% chance to win against McCartney Kessler according to Tonybet ⭐ with the odds of 1.23.
- McCartney Kessler has a 28.5% probability of winning facing Jessica Pegula ⭐ with odds of 4.48 at Melbet.
Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler Best Prediction and Odds
Based on the bookmaker's betting lines in this match, Jessica Pegula has a 71.5 % chance to win.
| Prediction | Chance to win |
|---|---|
| Jessica Pegula | 71.5 % |
| McCartney Kessler | 28.5 % |
Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler Form
Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler Last Matches
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
18 Jan 2026 - WTA Australian Open
10 Jan 2026 - WTA Brisbane
9 Jan 2026 - WTA Brisbane
8 Jan 2026 - WTA Brisbane
6 Jan 2026 - WTA Brisbane
7 Nov 2025 - WTA Finals
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
18 Jan 2026 - WTA Australian Open
12 Jan 2026 - Hobart International
5 Jan 2026 - WTA Brisbane
3 Jan 2026 - WTA Brisbane
21 Oct 2025 - Japan Women's Open
19 Oct 2025 - Japan Women's Open
Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler Stats: Head to Head (H2H)
100 %
0 %
2 Mar 2025 - ATX Open
Jessica Pegula - McCartney Kessler Key Points
- Through five matches in 2026, Pegula has won four times.
- Two of Kessler’s last three fixtures ended in defeat.
- Pegula won in straight sets in her only past encounter with Kessler.
- Kessler has lost five of seven previous duels with top-10 opposition.
Limited Offer. Currently at Bet365
Our Jessica Pegula vs McCartney Kessler Prediction
Our prediction for Jessica Pegula v McCartney Kessler is for the exact score: 2-0. Pegula is having a strong start to the season and has lost just one of five fixtures. A hard court specialist, the American defeated Kessler in straight sets in their only other encounter.
We expect another strong display, especially considering Kessler's shaky start to the year and her poor record against top 10 players. It is also worth noting that Pegula is a three-time Australian Open quarter-finalist.
Get a retirement guarantee for the Jessica Pegula vs. McCartney Kessler game!
When you place a bet on the match between Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler you can get a retirement guarantee with bet365. This means that your bet will be paid out as a winner if your opponent retires.
It does not matter whether you bet on Jessica Pegula or McCartney Kessler, if your opponent has to retire from the match with an injury, you will get paid as a winner!
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
