Second seed Amanda Anisimova kicks off her Brisbane International 2026 journey against Australian wild card Kimberly Birrell. The betting line from FanDuel lists Anisimova as a strong favorite at -650, which indicates limited moneyline value and suggests bettors focus on handicaps, totals, and set markets instead. Anisimova, who comes into this match fresh off a first-round bye, faces Birrell, who has already played a challenging three-set opener. The early match efficiency is a key factor in the pricing.
Statistically, Anisimova maintains a substantial advantage. Her impressive stats from 2025 highlight a dominant return game, with a noteworthy 43.9% success rate on first-serve return points and a 47.3% breakpoint conversion rate, both of which typically result in significant scoreboard advantages on hard courts. In distinct contrast, while Birrell shows competitive rallying ability with a 42.4% success rate in return points won, she struggles with converting break points at just 28.4%, a considerable deficit against a player adept at converting pressure into points.
Anisimova has recently reached a career-high ranking of World #3 and is currently the top-ranked American player, showing her impressive rise within the sport.
For today’s match at the Brisbane International, which will take place on January 7 at Pat Rafter Arena, outdoor hard courts will provide the backdrop for this Round of 32 clash. The recommended bet for this encounter is on Anisimova at -5.5 games (-116, FanDuel), reflecting her strong performance metrics and the expectation that her powerful return game will keep Birrell on the back foot.
The odds show Anisimova favored not only for winning but also for covering the game handicap, suggesting that she can maintain pressure through both sets. Should Birrell find a way to make the match competitive, extending rallies to disrupt Anisimova’s flow might be her best path, although sustaining that effort through two sets remains a substantial challenge.
The match preview indicates a likely scoreline favoring Anisimova, with predictions of a 6-3, 6-2 victory. The market for set betting further supports this scenario, with odds reflecting expectations of a straight-sets win for the American.
Fans can catch this exciting match on various television networks, including Tennis Channel in the US, beIN Sports in Australia, and Eurosport in Europe. For those wishing to stream the action live, options include Tennis TV, the ATP Tour app, and specific regional services like Stan Sport in Australia and Discovery+.
As Amanda Anisimova continues her pursuit of excellence on the court, her match against Kimberly Birrell sets the stage for what could be another impressive performance for the rising star of American tennis.