Clara Tauson vs McCartney Kessler Prediction & Picks - Abu Dhabi Open
WTA - Abu Dhabi Open
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by Lou Aguila | in Tennis Picks
Clara Tauson opened as a slight favorite at -118, but McCartney Kessler is sneaking in as an intriguing underdog pick at -103 ahead of their second career showdown in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Open.
Recommended Pick: McCartney Kessler will win.
Potential Payout: $200 or every $100 bet (+100).
Current Form;
Coming off a two-set demolition of Simona Waltert of Switzerland, Tauson opened as a slight -118 moneyline favorite against McCartney Kessler. The Dane is eyeing a deep run in Abu Dhabi after falling to Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko 6-7, 7-5, 3-6 in the third round of the Australian Open. Tauson carries a 3-3 record in 2026, boasting a 63.9 percent break-point conversion rate and 58.7 percent break-point saved percentage.
Kessler sailed through to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Open with a sublime two-set win over Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-2. Kessler, who also dominated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3, 6-3 in the first round, continued to serve tremendously well as she dropped only one service game while breaking Fernandez five times. 4-3 in the season, Kessler has saved 30 of 49 breakpoints across seven matches this season.
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Clara Tauson vs McCartney Kessler Form
Clara Tauson and McCartney Kessler Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Feb 3, 2026 - Abu Dhabi Open
Jan 22, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Jan 20, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Jan 18, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Jan 6, 2026 - WTA Brisbane
Oct 14, 2025 - Ningbo Open
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Feb 3, 2026 - Abu Dhabi Open
Feb 1, 2026 - Abu Dhabi Open
Jan 21, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Jan 18, 2026 - WTA Australian Open
Jan 12, 2026 - Hobart International
Jan 5, 2026 - WTA Brisbane
Clara Tauson - McCartney Kessler Key Points
- Clara Tauson defeated Simona Waltert 6-3, 6-1 in the second round of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Open.
- Clara Tauson has converted 63.9 percent of her breakpoint chances in 2026.
- McCartney Kessler holds a 61.2 percent break-point saved percentage in 2026.
- McCartney Kessler defeated Clara Tauson 7-6, 6-3 in their first meeting at the 2023 WTA 125 Anglers.
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Our Clara Tauson vs McCartney Kessler Prediction
Fearless Forecast: McCartney Kessler finds potent form to beat Clara Tauson 6-4, 7-6
Reason: After seeing Kessler post two dominant wins in the previous rounds, I am convinced that the American has regained the form that made her a tricky opponent even for elite players on the tour last year. Kessler owned a 4-6 record against the top-20 players in 2025. Kessler also topped Tauson 7-6, 6-3 in their first and only duel to date at WTA 125 Angers, an indoor tournament in France, in 2023. The match happened more than two years ago, yet it highlights Kessler’s familiarity and comfort level with Tauson’s playing style.
Our betting prediction for McCartney Kessler vs. Clara Tauson: McCartney Kessler will winAll tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
