Zeynep Sonmez vs McCartney Kessler Prediction & Picks - WTA Indian Wells
WTA - WTA Indian Wells
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by Lou Aguila | in Tennis Picks
Booked as a +114 underdog, Zeynep Sonmez guns for an upset against the injury-riddled McCartney Kessler in the first round of the 2026 Indian Wells Open.
Hot Pick: Zeynep Sonmez will win.
Payout: Bet $500 to win $1,070 (+114 on Caesars Sportsbook)
Current Form;
Zeynep Sonmez is coming off a quarterfinal run in Merida, securing wins over Cadence Brace 6-2, 6-0 and Ann Li 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 before bowing to the eventual champion of the tournament, Cristina Bucsa 3-6, 4-6. Holding an 8-6 record this season, Sonmez has converted 45 percent of breakpoint chances and gone 3-0 in tiebreaker situations.
McCartney Kessler will be playing her first match since losing to Clara Tauson 3-6, 4-6 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Open. The American is 4-4 on the season, winning 55.4 percent of her first serves and saving almost 60 percent of breakpoints. She was slated to participate at the ATX Open in Austin but pulled out because of a back injury.
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Zeynep Sonmez vs McCartney Kessler Form
Zeynep Sonmez and McCartney Kessler Latest Matches
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Feb 27, 2026 - WTA Guadalajara
Feb 26, 2026 - WTA Guadalajara
Feb 24, 2026 - WTA Guadalajara
Feb 15, 2026 - WTA Dubai Tennis Championships
Feb 9, 2026 - WTA Doha
Feb 2, 2026 - Abu Dhabi Open
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Feb 5, 2026 - Abu Dhabi Open
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
Zeynep Sonmez - McCartney Kessler Key Points
- Zeynep Sonmez is 3-6 vs. the WTA top-100 in 2026.
- Zeynep Sonmez has a 60 percent win rate in hard-court matches.
- McCartney Kessler is 4-4 vs. the WTA top-100 in 2026.
- McCartney Kessler pulled out from the ATX Open due to a back injury.
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Our Zeynep Sonmez vs McCartney Kessler Prediction
Fearless Forecast: Zeynep Sonmez upsets banged-up McCartney Kessler 6-4, 7-5
McCartney Kessler opened as a -139 favorite for her first-round assignment at Indian Wells, but the concerns surrounding the back injury that caused her to miss several high-profile events in the Middle East and Austin could open the door for the underdog Sonmez (+114) to capitalize.
Key Stats: Sonmez owns a better record (8-6) than Kessler (4-4) in the 2026 WTA season. Although Kessler reached the Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinals, Sonmez is also coming off a final 8 finish at the Merida Open, losing only to the eventual champion.
What to Expect: Sonmez is going to take advantage of the situation, applying pressure on Kessler, who has been nursing a back injury for several weeks. It will still be a competitive match, but the healthier player will come away with the win in this one.
Our betting prediction for Zeynep Sonmez vs. McCartney Kessler: Zeynep Sonmez will win.All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
