Emma Navarro loses 2025 opener to 113th-ranked Brisbane wild card Kimberly Birrell

Kimberly Birrell has rung in 2025 with her first Top 10 win in six years.

Both milestone victories have now come at the Brisbane International for the Gold Coast resident, with Wednesday’s win over world No. 8 Emma Navarro her best by ranking. Birrell ousted the No. 2 seed, 7-5, 7-5, after two hours and three minutes of battling.

The two had crossed paths just last October at a WTA 125 event in Hong Kong, where Navarro rolled over the Australian, 6-2, 6-4.

“I think the biggest difference was that I had all of you guys on my side. Thank you so much,” Birrell exclaimed inside Pat Rafter Arena.

Navarro had seemingly sunk her teeth into the contest after winning four consecutive games from a set and 0-2 down. But Birrell worked her way back on serve, putting the match on her racquet thanks in part to the backhand strikes she sent across the net.

While the wild card was unable to serve out the clash, Navarro didn't turn the opportunity into a significant momentum shift. Birrell, who was on top of her opponent’s second serve for much of the day, pummeled an inside-out forehand return winner to break at love. The 26-year-old ultimately closed with the final eight points to reach the round of 16.

In her first-rounder, Birrell overcame countrywoman Priscilla Hon, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2. The current No. 113 is within striking distance of her career-high No. 100 ranking after posting two main-draw wins at the 500-level tournament.

For Navarro, her 2025 start is a contrast to last year when she opened her season by advancing to the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland.