Chances are you didn’t know who Kimberly Birrell was before today — and if you still don’t know by now, you really should.
Australia has fallen in love with the previously unknown 20-year-old after she caused one of the biggest upsets at Melbourne Park so far, toppling 29th seed Donna Vekic on Wednesday.
After relying on a wildcard to get into the main draw, Birrell claimed the biggest win of her career against a much higher-ranked opponent.
The World No. 240 was hardly expected to trouble Vekic but the Croatian imploded, losing her temper at various stages as Birrell surged to an incredible 6-4 4-6 6-1 win.
As the country grapples with the fallout from the bitter feud between Bernard Tomic and Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt — which also implicated stars Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis — Birrell played her part in restoring our faith in Aussie tennis players.
Alex de Minaur’s star is on the rise on the men’s side while Ash Barty becomes more likeable with every match — and Birrell today joined her in putting her name up in lights of female stars worthy of Australia’s admiration.
The outside court hosting her clash with Vekic was absolutely packed as fans turned out in droves to support the local act. Those unable to find a seat were glued to the big screens around Melbourne Park and went up as one when Birrell sealed her victory.
When Vekic slapped a ground stroke into the net to finalise the result, Birrell put her hand up to her mouth in disbelief at what she’d just done.
“It’s so surreal, that was such a blur. I left it all out there, I used the energy from the crowd, they were just the best,” Birrell said.
“I’m lost for words. Thankyou so much to everyone who’s supported me.
“I’m so proud to be an Aussie and represent my country. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I hope I can do everyone proud.
“I get to play again. It’s crazy.”
After two tight sets, Birrell stepped up to dominate the decider, although she admitted to some nerves when it came time to serve for the match.
“There were so many things going through my head,” she said. “I had to bring myself back to the present and focus on getting my first serve in.”
Wednesday’s victory continued a brilliant start to 2019 for the Queenslander, who claimed the first top-10 scalp of her career when she beat Russian Daria Kasatkina at the Brisbane International.
Birrell certainly meant it when she thanked everyone for their support, hanging around after her stunning upset to take photos and sign autographs for everyone who asked.
Australia sent plenty of goodwill Birrell’s way after the shock result and Barty was among those to share her excitement on social media.
Birrell has now set up a potential third-round clash with German World No. 2 Angelique Kerber.
FEMALE ‘THOR’ CAUSES MAYHEM IN MELBOURNE
Australian Open officials will pay a huge role in shaping the immediate future of Aussie star Ash Barty after she landed in the path of Greek freak Maria Sakkari.
The woman dubbed the “Sakk Attack” has already swept through two Aussie stars in the opening two rounds of the Open, fuelled by maniacal, frenzied support from Greek fans cheering her on from their seats on Court 3.
Melbourne has the highest Greek population outside of Athens, and the local Greek support has on both occasions turned Sakkari’s matches into a home crowd — a nightmare for vanquished players Jelena Ostapenko and Astra Sharma.
Open officials are yet to decide on the scheduling for the third round match — but a likely Rod Laver Arena match-up is expected to blunt the fanatical support Sakkari has received from Greek Fans on the outside showcourts
Sakkari’s win over Aussie Sharma on Wednesday created a “World Cup” like atmosphere where the Melbourne Greek community proved to be a decisive factor in the match.
The 23-year-old World No. 43 walked up to the Greek section of fans after her win and raised her hands in applause for her biggest fans.
She celebrated with a powerful fist-pump and scream after securing her passage through to the third round.
WTA Tour commentator Courtney Nguyen said the celebration reminded her of Marvel character Thor.
American tennis TV commentator Mike Cation said an Australian crowd cheering for somebody else was difficult to imagine.
“I can’t imagine what that’s like? You come to Australia. So far away from your home country to have this kind of rowdy support,” Cation said.
It means for the first time this Open, Barty could be facing a hostile crowd when she steps on court on Friday hoping to move through to the fourth round of the Aussie Open for the first time.
When asked earlier about the challenge of playing either Sharma or Sakkari. Barty said she relished the chance to play her good friend Sakkari.
“Maria I’m great friends with and have a really great relationship,” Barty said,
“We have played a couple times now. She’s one of the best movers and competitors out there. Whichever way that goes, my next singles match will be very tough.”
The Aussie No. 1 and 15th seed fired seven aces and dropped serve only once in an impressive 6-2 6-3 win over China’s Yafan Wang.
Be the first to comment