Karolina Pliskova vs McCartney Kessler Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA London - Queen's

Prediction published on 07/06/2026, 00:20  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 07/06/2026 at 00:23 in Tennis Predictions

Karolina Pliskova and McCartney Kessler, both unseeded, will meet in the opening round of the 2026 Queen’s Club Championship. The winner of their first career meeting will play Victoria Mboko next. Kessler’s form of six defeats in the last 10 matches may not work for her, as per our prediction.

Pliskova has been showing flashes of her old self and arrives as the favourite here. The former world number one, plagued with fitness issues for almost two seasons, has been solid this year.

She has compiled a 14-7 record and had an exciting clay-court campaign. Pliskova, who won 10 of 14 clay fixtures, was able to produce quarter-final finishes in Madrid and Linz.

She also made it to the fourth round in Rome. The world number 106 last competed on grass in 2024.

Kessler had a rough end to her clay season and will be hoping this doesn’t rub off on the grass campaign. The American, who has alternated between the tour and challenger circuits, has only won four of her last 10 fixtures.

Currently ranked 39th in the live ranking, Kessler is coming off a second-round exit at the French Open. She has compiled a nervy 14-13 record.

The 26-year-old made her grass court debut two seasons ago and has compiled a 10-5 record so far on such surfaces.