Can the Canadian former Grand Slam runner-up oust her American opposition?
No. 6 seed Leylah Fernandez will look to bury her Australian Open misery with a successful return in the WTA Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2026 Round of 16 starting Tuesday. On the other side of the net will be American young gun McCartney Kessler. As the promising attacker takes on the Canadian counter-punch specialist, this will be a fierce contest for a spot in the last eight. The winner of this duel will oppose either third seed Clara Tauson or Switzerland’s Simona Waltert in the next round.
Having finished the previous season on a high, Leylah Fernandez has begun 2026 in disastrous fashion. Going 0-3 in the Australian swing, the 23-year-old is hoping for a quick turnaround in the Middle Eastern swing. Fernandez is a former US Open runner-up and has a career-high ranking of No. 13 in the world. Meanwhile, McCartney Kessler impressed one and all with two trophies last year. After turning pro in 2024, the World No. 32 has 171 wins and 97 losses in her young career so far. Kessler lost to eventual semifinalist Jessica Pegula at the recently concluded Australian Open.
According to the tennis betting odds, Leylah Fernandez is the BetMGM favorite to win this encounter with -127 odds. McCartney Kessler is the BetMGM underdog with +102 odds on the moneyline. Here’s how we are betting on Fernandez vs Kessler in Abu Dhabi, including our best bets, supporting odds and a set-score prop for bigger prices.
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Tournament & Round: WTA Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2026, Round of 16
Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
Format: Women’s Singles, Best of Three Sets
Date & Start Time: February 3, 15:00 Local (Approx.)
Court: Stadium Court, Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre
Best Bet:
Leylah Fernandez vs McCartney Kessler Betting Odds
Given below are the latest odds for Leylah Fernandez vs McCartney Kessler from the top sportsbooks. We are looking at the match money line, game handicap and total games, plus some set betting markets where available.
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Leylah Fernandez vs McCartney Kessler Predictions & Picks
Our Prediction: McCartney Kessler to Win in Three Sets
Leylah Fernandez Recent Form
Australian Open 2026: Round of 128
Adelaide International 2026: Round of 32
Brisbane International 2026: Round of 32
Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026: Semifinal
Pan Pacific Open 2026: Round of 16
McCartney Kessler Recent Form
Australian Open 2026: Round of 64
Hobart International 2026: Round of 32
Brisbane International 2026: Round of 32
Pan Pacific Open 2025: Round of 16
Ningbo Open 2025: Quarterfinal
Leylah Fernandez vs McCartney Kessler Head to Head Record
The head-to-head between Fernandez and Kessler is 0-0 so far. Abu Dhabi will play host to their first tour-level meeting.
How to Watch Leylah Fernandez vs McCartney Kessler at the WTA Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2026?
The Abu Dhabi Open 2026 can be streamed live on various platforms and channels, depending on which part of the world you are watching from. This includes Tennis Channel, WTA TV, TSN, DAZN, ESPN International, beIN Sports, Setanta Sports, Sky Sports and SuperSport.
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