Sonay Kartal vs Elena Rybakina Preview & Prediction | 2026 Indian Wells Open (BNP Paribas Open) | Round of 16

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Sonay Kartal faces Elena Rybakina in the round-of-16 at Indian Wells.

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 Sonay Kartal vs Elena Rybakina ticket information

Sonay Kartal vs Elena Rybakina prediction

Sonay Kartal made it through to the round-of-16 at Indian Wells for a second year running as she beat 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys. Kartal, who defeated Emma Navarro in the previous round, dropped the first set but found her rhythm on serve and did not face a break point after that as she won 2-6 6-2 6-3 after one hour and 57 minutes.

She now faces two-time Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina next. The world number three beat Marta Kostyuk in straight sets. Rybakina still encountered some problems on serve as she was broken three times, but she managed to wrestle back the momentum and went on to win 6-4 6-4.

Kartal has done brilliantly to get this far once again at Indian Wells, but this will be her toughest challenge yet. Rybakina hasn’t been at her best so far, but the 2023 champion should still be viewed as an overwhelming favourite to get through comfortably. 

Sonay Kartal vs Elena Rybakina tip: Elena Rybakina to win 2-0