Ann Li vs Zeynep Sonmez Prediction & Picks - WTA Guadalajara
WTA - WTA Guadalajara
New customers only | Commercial content | 21+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Bradley Gibbs | in Tennis Picks
On Thursday evening, at least for those viewing stateside, there's WTA action in Merida, where one of the US players will get down to business. Having received a first-round bye, Ann Li will play her first match of the tournament. She's up against Zeynep Sonmez, who has already played, beating Cadence Brace in straight sets, which should mean that the Turkish player comes into this match feeling confident.
Of course, we could say that Li arrives nice and fresh having not had to play during the first round, but is that a serious positive? Sonmez has had the chance to find her feet on these courts, and that could give her an edge. What's more, when these two players met at this tournament in 2024, Sonmez won in straight sets. Could she be about to repeat that trick here? Last year, she defeated the likes of Maria Sakkari and Magda Linette at this tournament, so she's clearly capable under these conditions.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Ann Li vs Zeynep Sonmez Form
Ann Li and Zeynep Sonmez Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Feb 15, 2026 - WTA Dubai Tennis Championships
Feb 11, 2026 - WTA Doha
Feb 10, 2026 - WTA Doha
Feb 8, 2026 - WTA Doha
Jan 21, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Jan 18, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Feb 24, 2026 - WTA Guadalajara
Feb 15, 2026 - WTA Dubai Tennis Championships
Feb 9, 2026 - WTA Doha
Feb 2, 2026 - Abu Dhabi Open
Jan 22, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Jan 20, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Ann Li - Zeynep Sonmez Key Points
- When the pair met in Merida in 2024, Zeynep Sonmaz came out on top.
- Ann Li lost her most recent match against a lower-ranked player.
- This will be Ann Li's first match at the tournament.
- Zeynep Sonmez already has a match in Merida under her belt and may thus be better prepared.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Our Ann Li vs Zeynep Sonmez Prediction
This is another one of those matches where one player doesn't seem to be getting the respect that she deserves. I'm certainly not saying that this will be easy for Zeynep Sonmez, but the Turkish player has done enough to at least be the narrow favorite here, and I'm very much of the opinion that she has a greater chance of progressing than the early odds suggest.
Ann Li hasn't been in great form of late, while she hasn't yet played at this tournament. Zeynep Sonmez has a match in Merida under her belt, which may give her a preparation advantage, while she beat Li when the pair met at this tournament in 2024.
Our Ann Li vs Zeynep Sonmez Pick: Zeynep Sonmez to Win.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
