Miami, USA, 20 March 2023 | Leigh Rogers

Storm Hunter has made a positive start to her Miami Open qualifying quest – but it has come at the expense of fellow Australian Kimberly Birrell.

World No.197 Hunter recorded a 6-3 6-3 victory against Birrell in first-round qualifying action at the WTA 1000 tournament today, saving all five break points she faced in the 84-minute encounter.

This sets up a final round meeting with world No.135-ranked Slovakian Kaja Juvan.

Six Australians are set to compete in the men’s qualifying singles competition, which begins tomorrow. This includes another all-Australian first-round meeting, with James Duckworth set to face Aleksandar Vukic.

Aussies in action – Miami

TODAY’S RESULTS
Women’s qualifying singles, first round
[WC] Storm Hunter (AUS) d [23] Kimberly Birrell (AUS) 6-3 6-3

COMING UP
Men’s qualifying singles, first round
[2] Chris O’Connell (AUS) v Yannick Hanfmann (GER)
[3] Jordan Thompson (AUS) v Renzo Olivo (ARG)
[6] Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v Andrea Collarini (ARG)
[13] James Duckworth (AUS) v Aleksandar Vukic (AUS)
[22] Rinky Hijikata (AUS) v Geoffrey Blancaneaux (FRA)

> VIEW: Miami Open men’s qualifying singles draw

Women’s qualifying singles, final round
[WC] Storm Hunter (AUS) v Kaja Juvan (SVK)

> VIEW: Miami Open women’s qualifying singles draw

Book online, play today: Visit play.tennis.com.au to get out on court and have some fun!