Credits to Jimmie48 Tennis Photography for all the pictures!
The first stunner of the 2019 WTA season came before even the new year started — world number 10 #DariaKasatkina was shocked by local wildcard and the in-form world number 289 #KimberlyBirrell in the opening round of the #BrisbaneInternational. It was a spirited performance from the Australian, who retrieved from a 3-5 deficit in the final set to triumph after three hours and six minutes of action.
Set to be one of the longest matches on the tour this year, both Kasatkina and Birrell left everything out on the court but it was the local favourite who caused what will be one of the biggest upsets in the new season.
10 double faults from Kasatkina proved to be costly, with her tendency to become passive during the nervy moments also backfiring on her. Birrell, who had to deal with several unfortunate injuries in the past, began her resurgence with a triumph at the Australian Open wildcard play-offs, sealing a place in her second main draw appearance in Melbourne later this month.
Kasatkina overcomes an early deficit to take the first set
Several loose errors from Kasatkina saw Birrell take full advantage of them — grabbing the break in the opening game. It was a fantastic start from the Australian youngster who looked fearless and had nothing to lose while Kasatkina got off to a slow start, unable to find her groove.
Kasatkina finally got onto the scoreboard with a spirited service hold, although Birrell remained solid and fended off two break points, one with an ace, another with a Kasatkina backhand error. The Australian consolidated the break and held for a 3-1 lead, and she had a golden opportunity to earn the double break but Kasatkina served some bombs to remain in contention.
A terrific on-court coaching session from Philippe Dehaes helped Kasatkina, once again. The affirmation towards his player provided her with confidence and belief — and it reflected in her game afterwards. A series of errors produced by Birrell saw the Russian levelling the scoreboard, and Kasatkina ultimately took the first set 7-5 after 57 minutes of play.
Birrell fights back from nowhere
Kasatkina found herself in some trouble once more; fighting off four break points before finally being broken in the first game of the second set after committing a poor forehand error. It was a poor performance from the Russian today — whose game completely fell apart after Birrell’s game applied pressure on her groundstrokes. There was no tinge of aggression involved in her performance and she struggled to string together a series of good shots.
Both players exchanged missed opportunities as they failed to convert 0-40 leads on the return. Birrell showed no signs of nerves, comfortably serving out the second set as Kasatkina was getting increasingly frustrated with herself.
Birrell completes the impossible
The final set started with Kasatkina holding her nerves and saving five break points to edge ahead 2-1. Birrell continued to dig deep and stunned the Russian by finding the first breakthrough of the deciding set, much to the delight of the partisan local crowd.
However, unexpectedly, Kasatkina found new life in her game as she rattled off three consecutive games to turn the tables and lead 5-3 instead, owning the golden opportunity to serve out the tough win. As much as things seemed desperate for the Australian underdog, she did not lose hope and surged back into contention with some breathtaking tennis; firing some outstanding winners and staying patient in baseline rallies to claim three straight games of her own for a 6-5 lead.
Serving for the match, the pressure weighed on her shoulders when the finishing line was in sight. Kasatkina took advantage of her opponent’s inexperience and battled back for a final-set tiebreak. However, the tiebreak was unfortunately one-sided and Birrell’s inspired display was finally rewarded — with Kasatkina sending a backhand return long on match point.
Comments