Kimberly Birrell vs Oksana Selekhmeteva Preview & Prediction | 2026 Indian Wells Open (BNP Paribas Open) | First Round

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The first-round of Indian Wells sees Kimberly Birrell face Oksana Selekhmeteva.

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time:

Venue: Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Kimberly Birrell vs Oksana Selekhmeteva ticket information

Kimberly Birrell vs Oksana Selekhmeteva prediction

Kimberly Birrell enjoyed her best run at an event so far this season in Austin, making the semi-finals. The Australian defeated Petra Marcinko, Caroline Dolehide and Ajla Tomljanovic to reach the last four, where she lost to Peyton Stearns in three sets. The Australian also qualified for the Dubai Tennis Championships earlier this month, and has certainly found form, with six wins from her last eight matches overall.

She faces Oksana Selekhmeteva in the first-round. The Russian also competed at the ATX Open, making the quarter-finals where she also lost to Stearns. She already impressed earlier this year at the Australian Open, making the third-round after wins over Ella Seidel and former world number two Paula Badosa.

There are just a few places separating the pair in the world rankings and both players will be confident after strong showings last week. Nevertheless, we favour Birrell to find a way to advance through to round two. 

Kimberly Birrell vs Oksana Selekhmeteva tip: Kimberly Birrell to win