Australia’s newly ranked No.1 is on a high after her career-defining run at the Brisbane International last week.
The Gold Coast resident claimed the biggest victory of her career, prevailing against world No.8 Emma Navarro in the second round. She then defeated world No.35 Anastasia Potapova in straight sets to set up her maiden quarterfinal appearance at a WTA 500 event.
“I think the biggest thing from last week is just confidence and belief in myself,” Birrell said on what she learnt during her Brisbane International run.
“You can tell yourself that you believe and to be brave, but I think until you can actually prove it on court and have those big wins and play well in those pressure moments, that’s when the real confidence comes.
“That was a pretty big week last week and [I] played some physical matches and it’s emotionally and mentally draining. So, I’m just trying to stay really focused and no matter what happens this week, I’m super proud.”
Birrell’s next qualifying opponent is fellow Aussie Priscilla Hon, who defeated American Usue Maitane Arconada 6-3 6-7(5) 6-4. The pair will meet for the second time in two weeks, in a rematch of their first-round encounter in Brisbane.
