Kimberly Birrell is through to the final eight in Austin after a comprehensive victory over American Caroline Dolehide.
Birrell needed just 86 minutes to defeat the world No.126, cruising to a 6-4 6-2 victory. The Queenslander was in control for the entire match, breaking Dolehide’s serve in the opening games of each set.
“I just told myself to play my game and stay aggressive,” Birrell said. “She obviously has some big weapons, but I tried honestly not to think too much about [her] end of the court and focused on what I could do well, and I think I was able to stick with Plan A today, which was nice.”
It continued Birrell's solid start to the year, having also reached the semifinals on home soil at the Adelaide International, a WTA 500 event.
She boasts a 9-5 record in 2026, with her opening eight victories against top-100 opponents.
After Birrell missed her chance to set up an all-Australian quarterfinal showdown against Ajla Tomljanovic in Austin last year, it could still eventuate in 2026.
Tomljanovic, a semifinalist in Austin last year, faces No.2 seed Iva Jovic later on Friday for a quarterfinal showdown against Birrell.
READ: Tomljanovic joins esteemed group with victory over Venus
In Merida, Priscilla Hon chases her first WTA quarterfinal since September 2019 when she plays No.1 seed Jasmine Paolini on Friday. The lucky loser set up her clash with Paolini after she beat Mexican Renata Zarazua 6-2 2-6 6-4 on Wednesday.
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