Australian wildcard Kimberly Birrell has not stopped smiling this week – and there is a very good reason. The 17-year-old is having the best week of her life.
Contesting her first WTA Tour singles main draw, Birrell scored the biggest win of her young career on Monday to reach the second round. Birrell upset Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic, the world No.55, in the first round in straight sets. It was the first time the world No.341 had beaten a player ranked in the top 100.
Arriving for her post-match media conference, Birrell was beaming. She was eloquent and confident as she answered questions from the waiting media, all keen to learn more about Australia’s newest tennis star.
“I’m probably more nervous now (speaking to the media) than when I was on court,” she giggly admitted.
If she was, the way Birrell handled it was exemplary. But that should not have been a surprise, considering how she had just performed on court. The Australian had dominated on serve, losing just 18 points for the match to stun her more experienced opponent.
After assisting with the tournament’s official draw, Birrell confessed she didn’t know anything about Kovinic. She had researched her opponent by watching online videos, then executed a perfect game plan.
“I gave myself the best opportunities to win as I could,” Birrell reflected.
“I think I served quite well, my first serve percentage was pretty high considering the wind and I think it helped being here a couple of days in advance.”
> Read Birrell’s round one match report
Birrell had arrived in Hobart expecting to play qualifying, only learning she had received a main draw wildcard hours before the qualifying draw was made.
It really has been a tournament to remember for Birrell – also recording her first WTA doubles wins alongside fellow Australian Jarmila Wolfe. They are now into the semifinals.
“I thought it was a bit of a long shot asking her to play doubles with me and I was so happy when she said yes. It’s been really awesome,” she said.
> Take a look at the doubles draw
To top off the biggest week of her life, yesterday Birrell received a singles main draw wildcard into next week’s Australian Open.
“I don’t even know how to put it into words. It’s amazing, incredible – all of those good words. I’m super excited,” Birrell said of her impending Grand Slam debut.
Today’s round two showdown with 2014 Australian Open finalist Dominika Cibulkova on Domain Tennis Centre’s centre court is the biggest match of Birrell’s career – and an experience she is looking forward to.
“It’s such a good opportunity,” she said. “I’m just going to try my best, keep learning and keep fighting.”
> Read Cibulkova’s thoughts on the match
Birrell, who lives on the Gold Coast and graduated from high school in November, isn’t daunted by the new pressures and expectations that have stemmed from her success this week.
“To be honest I try not to think about it too much. I think there will always be people watching us and people talking in the media, but I just try to stay super focused on myself and the way I play. I probably put more pressure on myself,” she said.
No matter how Birrell’s Hobart International campaign ends, there is no doubt she will leave with a legion of new fans and experiences that can only help further her career.
Have you been impressed by Birrell’s mature performances this week? Let us know by joining the #HobartTennis conversation on social media – Twitter or Facebook.