Australian Kimberly Birrell dropped only a single set during an impressive run at an ITF 75 tournament in Fukuoka this week.
Fukuoka, Japan , 13 May 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Kimberly Birrell was a standout performer among the Australians competing on the world stage this week.
The 26-year-old from the Gold Coast claimed one of the biggest singles titles of her career at an ITF 75 tournament in Japan, triumphing against world No.97 Emina Bektas in the final.
This is Birrell’s second top-100 win this season and marks the first time she has beaten a top 100-ranked opponent in a final.
With her victory, Birrell also becomes just the second Australian woman to win a four or more titles at ITF 60 level or above. She joins Jelena Dokic as the only other player to accomplish this feat since ITF World Tennis Tour records began in 1994.
It proved a highlight in a week where Australian players shone at all levels, from junior to masters events.
The Australian teams performed strongly at the World Team Cup in Turkey, which is the biggest teams event on the wheelchair tennis calendar.
The Australian junior boys’ team, consisting of Benjamin Wenzel, Yassin Hill and Jin Woodman, finished runners-up in their event.
The quad team, featuring Heath Davidson and Finn Broadbent, also claimed a podium finish, taking out third-place.
A strong Australian contingent also impressed at the ITF Masters World Individual Championships in Mexico, earning 15 medals across the 50+, 55+ and 60+ age groups.
> READ MORE: Five Australians win gold medals at 2024 ITF Masters World Individual Championships
This week’s most outstanding performers include:
Alex de Minaur: The 25-year-old is enjoying a career-best run in singles at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome (Italy), progressing through to the third round. He next faces Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Matt Ebden: The 36-year-old’s quest to regain the world No.1 ranking is still alive at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome, progressing to the second round in doubles alongside Indian partner Rohan Bopanna.
Aleksandar Vukic: The 28-year-old scored his first main-draw win at an ATP Masters 1000 clay-court tournament, beating former world No.8 Diego Schwartzman in the opening round in Rome.
Calum Puttergill: The 30-year-old won the doubles title at an ATP Challenger tournament in Wuxi (China) alongside American Reese Stalder. It is Puttergill’s 10th career title and first since April 2023.
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