Tennis Showdown: Kessler Faces Blinkova in Key Match at Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, California – The 2025 WTA Indian Wells Open tournament continues with Day 2 matches, highlighting McCartney Kessler‘s challenging opening round against Anna Blinkova on Friday. Kessler, who was the runner-up at the recent ATX Open, faces a fight for victory as she looks to build on her emerging form.

Kessler’s recent performance has seen her advance to a third WTA final in six months, but she remains cautious. “I feel good about my game, but I can’t underestimating Anna. She’s won her first-round matches at all her tournaments this year,” Kessler noted before the match.

Head-to-head statistics reveal that Kessler holds a significant advantage, with a predictive model citing a 69% chance of her winning against Blinkova. Current betting odds in Australia reflect this, showing Kessler at $1.44 compared to Blinkova’s $2.75. The odds for Kessler to win the first set are also favored at $1.53.

In another interesting matchup, the experienced Viktorija Golubic takes on Australia’s Birrell, who has shown solid performance this season. Despite Golubic’s experience, analysts lean toward Birrell, primarily due to her powerful groundstrokes potentially targeting Golubic’s one-handed backhand. Golubic’s performance will need to improve significantly to compete effectively, with predictions suggesting a three-set battle.

Meanwhile, Varvara Lepchenko enters her match with renewed confidence after an impressive qualifying round victory against Taylor Townsend. However, her clash with Emina Kartal may prove challenging with Kartal’s defensive style likely presenting a different set of difficulties. Observers are divided, with many rating Lepchenko slightly favored to take the match in three sets.

Among the younger athletes, 17-year-old Sara Jovic is also expected to shine. Jovic capitalized on a favorable draw and faces Julia Grabher, who is struggling post-injury. Analysts anticipate Jovic claiming victory in straight sets based on her current trajectory.

As for the day’s expectations, Reynolds, a long-time tennis fan and analyst, commented, “The excitement at Indian Wells is palpable. These early rounds are critical for players as they seek to find their rhythm in the tournament. Kessler and Blinkova are certainly the match to watch today.”

The matches are part of the ongoing WTA Indian Wells Open, regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the women’s tennis calendar. Fans can expect spirited competition as players aim to carve a path toward the tournament’s later stages.