Emma Navarro vs Kimberly Birrell Prediction WTA Brisbane Tennis Picks 1/1/25

Emma Navarro had a terrific year and was recognized as the WTA's most improved player in the last 12 months. That award was fully merited.

Navarro began the 2024 season with a bang, clinching her maiden WTA title in Hobart, beating a former champion in Elise Mertens and broke into the Top 25 of the WTA rankings.

But she wouldn't stop there and she made a lasting impression at Grand Slams, beating countrywoman Coco Gauff twice at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Navarro reached the second week in three of the four majors, including a mesmeric semifinal finish in New York. Her strong results at the Grand Slams enabled Navarro to break into the Top 10, a monumental achievement for a player who a few years ago was playing college tennis.

With double digit wins on clay and hard courts, she demonstrated her all-court game and ability to adapt on any surface. This year, she is taking part at the Brisbane International and will play a home player on debut.

Kimberly Birrell Preview

Kimberly Birrell knows a thing or two about upsetting a seed at her home tournament. In 2019, she beat an in-form Daria Kasatkina right off the bat. 

Birrell is enjoying her 11th year as a pro, although she has only been ranked as high as World No. 100 in her career.

Birrell is currently 13 spots below her career-high ranking despite accumulating 41 wins last season across all levels. Her best achievement was in reaching a maiden WTA final in Osaka as a qualifier, but lost to Suzan Lamens.

Her only title of last year was at the W60 ITF in Fukuoka. Birrell last competed at the Trnava ITF at the end of November, losing in the first round to Ipek Oz.

Emma Navarro vs Kimberly Birrell Head-To-Head

• Navarro and Birrell have met once on the WTA Tour.

• The American won that match on the hard courts of Hong Kong last season in straight sets.

Emma Navarro vs Kimberly Birrell Prediction

After a well-deserved break, Emma Navarro can shoot for the stars this season. Her rapid ascent in the last 12 months took many by complete surprise. Unlocking her talent and potential combined with an increasing self belief made Navarro a Top 10 player almost instantly.

Now though, I feel she has to produce high-quality performances on a consistent basis if she is to be considered a genuine contender for the big titles. Beating her closest rivals will rank top of her self-improvement grid. So, this is a match Navarro is expected to cruise. Birrell will get a rapturous support from the Australian crowd, but that will count for nothing if the American remains resolute and composed. I'm siding with Navarro to win in straight sets, and games spread for under 19.5 games for maximum returns.