Osaka, Japan , 20 October 2024 | Vivienne Christie
Kimberly Birrell’s bid to assert a primary WTA title has fallen simply brief in Osaka, however the Queenslander has celebrated a collection of notable milestones in her progress to the ultimate of the WTA 250 event.
As a qualifier, Birrell received 5 straight matches to achieve the primary WTA semifinal of her profession. With victory over Japan’s Aoi Ita, she prolonged the streak to 6 matches as she progressed to a maiden event ultimate.
After rain washed out all matches on Saturday, the 150th-ranked Birrell was a gritty performer within the rescheduled semifinal towards Ita on Sunday.
From a 1-3 deficit, Birrell received 5 video games straight on her strategy to successful the primary set. She additionally got here from behind within the second set to finish her 6-4 6-3 victory in an hour and quarter-hour.
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Birrell had hoped to comply with within the footsteps of fellow Queenslander Sam Stosur, a winner of the 2009, 2013 and 2014 Osaka titles.
However returning to the court docket simply over an hour later for the ultimate proved one hurdle too many for the 26-year-old Birrell, with Dutchwoman Suzan Lamens rising a 6-0 6-4 winner.
Birrell, ranked world No.150 coming into the event, will however take many positives from her greatest week on tour.
In her main-draw debut in Osaka, she claimed earlier wins over Sara Saito, No.3 seed Elise Mertens and Zheng Saisai.
Birrell is projected to rise to 39 locations to world No.111 within the subsequent rankings launch – inserting her inside attain of the height No.100 rating she achieved in September final 12 months.
> READ: Prepare with Kimberly Birrell “Have enjoyable, even when pushing your self to the restrict
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