Zeynep Sonmez vs McCartney Kessler Preview & Prediction | 2026 Indian Wells Open (BNP Paribas Open) | First Round

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Zeynep Sonmez takes on McCartney Kessler in the first-round of 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 Zeynep Sonmez vs McCartney Kessler ticket information

Zeynep Sonmez vs McCartney Kessler prediction

Zeynep Sonmez snapped her losing run in Merida last week as she reached her first quarter-final of the season. The Turk was unable to win a second title at the event as she was defeated by eventual winner Cristina Bucsa in the last eight. Nevertheless, this was a step in the right direction for Sonmez after a loss of form following her third-round appearance at the Australian Open.

She faces McCartney Kessler in round one. The American has not competed for nearly a month, though her last event was encouraging as she made it through to the last eight at the Abu Dhabi Open. She won her first two matches against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Leylah Fernandez in straight sets, going on to lose to Clara Tauson. 

Kessler’s aggression, higher ranking and greater pedigree on this surface makes her the favourite, but Sonmez is absolutely strong enough to take a set and extend the rallies.

Zeynep Sonmez vs McCartney Kessler tip: Both players to win a set