The action at WTA Abu Dhabi is winding down, as we have reached the quarterfinals. Three Americans have made the quarterfinals, but two of them are matched out of the gate. LWOS has our best bets for the quarterfinal matches. Don’t be afraid to share your best bets in the comments section.
WTA Abu Dhabi
Kartal– Bejlek: Time 02:30
H2H: 0-0
Sonay Kartal will meet Sara Bejlek for the first time. Kartal is off to a 6-2 start in 2026. Bejlek is off to a 5-2 start in 2026. Kartal does have a more extensive history on a hardcourt, but I wouldn’t call either lady experienced on the surface. Bejlek has only played 55 career matches on a hardcourt, while Kartal’s total is 95. Neither lady has been tested too strongly at Abu Dhabi. Kartal’s match against Cristina Bucsa was probably the hardest fought of the bunch.
Best Bet to Make
Kartal is the favorite on the books by about 1.25 points, on average. Since these two have no prior history and haven’t played too many games on the playing surface, the best we get is their current form and how they performed when tested. Kartal’s performance against Bucsa has me feeling pretty confident in her ability to overcome Bejlek in this match. She may not have much experience on a hardcourt, but she’s got twice the experience of Bejlek, and that’s good enough for me in a match like this.
That being said, Kartal winning 2:0 is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Kartal winning 2:0 @2.1 @bet365
Tauson – Kessler: Time 01:00
H2H: 0-1
Clara Tauson vs McCartney Kessler is our featured match of the day. Kessler won their only other match, which was a first-round match at the 2023 WTA Angers Open. Tauson has improved quite a bit since then. Neither lady is tearing it up in 2026. Tauson is 3-3 and Kessler is 4-3, so this win is very needed by both women.
Best Bet to Make
The books have Tauson as the favorite by about .45 points, on average. I find that a little weird since Kessler is playing better in ’26, has faced the tougher competition, and has played and won more games on hardcourt. She also has more overall wins on a hardcourt than Tauson. The only thing Tauson has is a higher World ranking. Give me Kessler straight at 2.23 on Pinnacle.
That being said, Kessler winning is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Kessler winning @2.23 @Pinnacle
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin–USA TODAY Sports
