McCartney Kessler vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova Preview & Prediction | 2026 Abu Dhabi Open | First Round

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McCartney Kessler meets Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Abu Dhabi.

Ranking points: WTA 500

Start date/time:

Venue: Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE

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 McCartney Kessler vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova ticket information

McCartney Kessler vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova prediction

McCartney Kessler will hope to have too much for an undercooked Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

The 34-year-old Russian lost her first two matches of 2026 in Brisbane and at the Australian Open as she continues to look for rhythm in her first outings since August.

Kessler was defeated by Jessica Pegula at the second hurdle in Melbourne but ended last season in positive fashion and will hope to pick up her second win of the year in this first meeting with the world number 47.

If Pavlyuchenkova can hit some of the form that saw her reach the Wimbledon quarter finals six months ago, this could be a surprise win and her first success of her comeback.

However, we still feel it’s early days for the Russian and expect Kessler to have too much match sharpness.

McCartney Kessler vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova tip: McCartney Kessler to win