Brisbane International: Emma Navarro loses to World No.113 home hope in torrid start to 2025 season
ATP
Emma Navarro has new found status in the game as a top 10 star and a Grand Slam semi-finalist with extra pressure on now and that told on Wednesday as she was dumped out of the 2025 Brisbane International by Aussie ace Kimberly Birrell.
It was Birrell's first top 10 win in six years through the night with both of these milestones coming at the Brisbane International. She ousted the no.2 seed 7-5, 7-5 after two hours and three minutes.
Navarro had previous form of beating Birrell at a WTA 125k in October 6-2, 6-4. The American looked to be in the ascendancy winning four consecutive games from a set and 0-2 down. But Birrell worked her way back onto serve with her backhand in particular being a big weapon.
Albeit the nerves were there in serving out the clash. Navarro didn't strike back and the 26-year-old sealed the last eight points to reach the Last 16. It was an opening win over Priscilla Hon 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 and now she sits on the cusp of the top 100.
“I think the biggest difference was that I had all of you guys on my side. Thank you so much," said Birrell.
While it is dismay for Navarro who also sees a semi-final run at Auckland slide off her ranking as a result of not matching this week. After what appeared to be a good pre season which saw her win The Garden Cup exhibition and also looking happy after a poor end to 2024, it seems she returned to type with an early loss.
Also with very minimal opportunity to change the destiny with the Australian Open coming thick and fast, albeit if there is someone who will seek out a wildcard or extra spot in an event last minute it is Navarro. So whether she plays in Adelaide or Hobart remains to be seen or it could be all on her stint at Melbourne.
Hometown HERO 🥺🇦🇺@kimbirrell98 scores back-to-back wins for the first time at a WTA 500 event with a huge upset over Navarro.#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/aNbQZpL2Tr
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) January 1, 2025
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