Kimberly Birrell Falls in Memphis Ahead of US Open Bid

Australian world No. 66 Kimberly Birrell was defeated in straight sets (7‑6 (7‑2) 6‑4) by China’s Ma Yexin at the WTA tournament in Memphis, marking her first match since a second‑round loss at Wimbledon. The loss eliminates her from the event and leaves her without a chance to face sixth‑seed Caty McNally before heading to the US Open in New York.

The Memphis defeat came alongside other early‑round results, including Russia’s Daria Kasatkina losing to Anna Kalinskaya in Washington, D.C., and fellow Australian Maya Joint advancing after a retirement in her match.