Sonmez v Putintseva live stream and preview for Australian Open last 16

Analysis by Predict Tennis

Note: Written by humans, with the help of AI. Based on real statistical data.

Published: Jan 22, 2026(..)

Zeynep Sonmez meets Yulia Putintseva in the Australian Open WTA last 16 on hard courts on 23 January, a best-of-three contest with live stream options for viewers. Alongside the match breakdown, here's how to watch or follow it live.

With the 2026 season only three weeks old, the numbers are still forming, yet Putintseva's hard-court efficiency stands out. Sonmez brings the slightly stronger recent run, so the balance between steadiness and momentum will matter quickly.

FINISHED

Sonmez Z.

Putintseva Y.

3-6

, 7-6

, 3-6

Putintseva's hard-court efficiency sets the tone

Putintseva has started the hard-court season 7-3, while Sonmez is 6-1. The difference is in the underlying control: Putintseva has won 70% of service games and 43% of return games, numbers that point to sustained scoreboard pressure.

Sonmez carries the brighter recent edge

Across the last 10 matches, Sonmez is 8-2 and Putintseva 7-3, with both winning 80% of first sets. The split comes late: Sonmez has taken 67% of deciding sets, while Putintseva sits at 33%, a contrast that can shape a tight best-of-three.

Where to watch Zeynep Sonmez v. Yulia Putintseva Live

By signing up at bet365, you gain access to one of the most reliable live streaming services available for this match and the rest of the tennis season. Access requires a funded account and is limited to users 18+. Be aware that geo-restrictions apply, so verify the schedule for your specific location.

Market keeps it tight, just favouring Putintseva

Bookmakers price Putintseva at 1.8 against Sonmez at 2; first-set prices are 1.76 versus 1.97. It is a narrow lean rather than a strong stance.

Sonmez Z.

Putintseva Y.

Win Percentage

80 %70 %

Aces per match

1.8 1.1

Double Faults per match

1.9 1.1

First Serve Points Won

61 %60 %

Second Serve Points Won

50 %56 %

Return Points Won

48 %46 %

Break Points Converted

50 %58 %

Break Points Saved

51 %55 %

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Early-season margins may decide it

Putintseva's stronger return efficiency on hard courts suggests she can test Sonmez's service games early and often. Sonmez, though, has been finding ways in tight finishes and arrives with the slightly lighter recent workload, with 8 hours 03 minutes across the last five matches compared to Putintseva's 9 hours 25 minutes. In a match priced so closely, a few key points on second serve and break chances could swing the story fast.

Prediction

Australian Open WTAPICK

Yulia Putintseva

55%

Predicted Winner

Zeynep Sonmez

Overall indicators tilt slightly towards Yulia Putintseva, with the market lean and her hard-court service and return efficiencies pointing to a steadier baseline platform. Zeynep Sonmez's stronger last-10 record and better deciding-set rate keep it close, especially this early in the season, but Putintseva has a small edge in the broader profile.

Odds

Odds:EUUKUS