Top-ranked Aussie Kimberly Birrell faces potential Australian Open heartbreak despite Brisbane International heroics

Kimberly Birrell has had a superb week falling to Anhelina Kalinina in the Quarter-Finals of the Brisbane International. But despite becoming the top ranked Aussie as of next week, Birrell will still have to tackle Australian Open qualifying in a similar move to Arina Rodionova when she ascended the rankings.

The 26-year-old backed up her upset win over Emma Navarro by seeing off Anastasia Potapova on Thursday and she was into her first WTA 500 level Quarter-Final after an injury ravaged career didn't see her reach her full potential earlier.

“It has been a long road. I have had a few injuries, but you know, as does everyone who plays professional sport, and everyone has their trials and tribulations in life,” Birrell said.

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“I’ve been super lucky to just have such an incredible family and team behind me, and they believed in me when I didn’t even think I was going to get back on court. They encouraged me, and they’re pretty much the only reason why I’m back playing at this level today.”

But despite that, she was not rewarded earlier in December with a wildcard for the tournament. Ranked 113th when the Entry List was confirmed, she was not given an automatic main draw spot and was snubbed for a wildcard.

As well as known quantities like Ajla Tomljanovic and Daria Saville, Maya Joint, Talia Gibson and Emerson Jones were all handed spots in the draw with Birrell forced to settle for the lottery of qualifying. She will be seeded but will need to win three matches to stand a chance of making it. 

But unlike Rodionova who ironically was in this position last year too and went out in qualifying, Birrell takes a more different tact to her snub.

“I actually had a little feeling I may not get one because there were so many of us who did need it and were all ranked around the same. A lot had great years, and we have some amazing juniors coming up through the ranks,” Birrell said on Thursday.

“I was given some opportunities when I was their age, so I could only worry about myself and ... what I needed to work on. That’s what I did, and I was super happy for all the girls who received them.

“I was kind of glad when I found out, I could move on and focus on the process. I qualified at the US Open, so I have belief I can do it, and can’t wait to get to Melbourne.”

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