Australian tennis player Kimberly Birrell has kicked off her 2026 season impressively by defeating Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova in a nail-biting three-set match at the Brisbane International on Monday. Birrell showcased her resilience, ultimately winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in a contest that lasted two hours and 16 minutes.
Commentary from former tennis player Jelena Dokic highlighted the significance of this win for Birrell as she prepares for the Australian Open, calling it a “great win to start the season.”
The match began with Sramkova racing to an early lead by breaking Birrell’s serve and establishing a commanding 3-0 advantage in the opening set. However, Birrell fought back, taking advantage of a critical double fault from Sramkova to break serve and regain momentum. Displaying remarkable composure, Birrell surged ahead, winning four consecutive games and ultimately clinching the first set 6-4 after a grueling 48-minute battle.
The second set saw a mirrored beginning, with Sramkova breaking early again, showcasing more discipline in her rallies and ultimately winning 6-3 to level the match. Despite her defeat in the second set, Birrell remained tenacious, battling through multiple break points and showing determination.
The final set turned into an intense showdown, with both competitors holding firm under immense pressure. The defining moment came in the fourth game, where Birrell capitalized on another error from Sramkova, breaking her serve. After quickly extending her lead to 5-3, Birrell served out the match with confidence, sealing the victory in style.
Next, Birrell is set to face American star Amanda Anisimova, the tournament’s second seed, in what promises to be a highly anticipated second-round clash. With her strong performance to commence the season, Birrell is fueled with momentum and poised to make a significant impact at the Brisbane International and beyond.