Seventh seed Jelena Ostapenko is set to kick off her 2026 Abu Dhabi Open campaign against qualifier Oksana Selekhmeteva. The matchup presents a clash of styles, with Ostapenko’s powerful play contrasting against Selekhmeteva’s consistency, honed largely through her performances on the Challenger circuit. Ostapenko enters the tournament ranked No. 24 in singles and No. 5 in doubles, having once reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in July 2025. Despite her achievements, recent performances have sparked concerns about her consistency and durability, particularly following a retirement at the Adelaide International and a second-round exit at the Australian Open. Notably, Ostapenko did claim the doubles title in Brisbane with partner Hsieh Su-wei to start the year on a positive note.
In contrast, Selekhmeteva is ranked No. 101 and comes off a strong showing at the Australian Open where she reached the third round, marking a significant achievement in her evolving career. While her success has largely been at the WTA 125 level, she has made strides in 2025, securing titles in San Sebastian and Rovereto, along with several semifinal finishes. This experience could play a crucial role as she faces a higher-ranked opponent for the second time in a WTA500 event, having previously competed in such matches only once in the last five years.
As the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open approaches, bettors are optimistic about the potential length and competitiveness of the match. The best betting line suggested is the Total Games Over 20.5 at -124 from FanDuel, reflecting the belief that both players will have opportunities to extend rallies and possibly lead to tight set scenarios—especially considering Ostapenko’s aggressive stats but inconsistent recent gameplay.
Current odds from leading sportsbooks reflect Ostapenko as the favorite, with a moneyline of -168 against Selekhmeteva’s +134. The game’s handicap is set at Ostapenko -2.5 (-122) and a total games line sitting at over or under 20.5. Predictions lean towards a victory for Ostapenko in straight sets, but the added suggestion of over 2.5 sets at +136 indicates a willingness to take a riskier stance on the outcome.
Fans can catch the action on various networks, including Sony Sports in India, Tennis Channel in the US, and Eurosport in Europe, with streaming options available worldwide through services such as WTA TV and Tennis Channel+.
As both players step onto the court, the encounter will not only influence their rankings but also serve as a moment to showcase their growth and determination in the ever-competitive world of women’s tennis.