Kimberly Birrell happy to be back in the big time after winning Australian Open wildcard playoff

Queensland’s Kimberly Birrell intends to use her sole main-draw experience against ­Karolina Pliskova two years ago to help drive her to new heights after picking up a coveted Australian Open singles wildcard.

Free of injury and possessing a coveted Australian Open singles wildcard, Kimberly Birrell does not intend to waste a ­precious opportunity.

AUSTRALIA ON THE RISE IN TENNIS RANKING

DUCKWORTH DENIES MATE TO CLINCH OPEN WILDCARD

The Queenslander’s career stalled because of elbow surgery after she contested the 2016 Open.

With a 6-4 6-2 victory against West Australian Astra Sharma in Tennis Australia’s wildcard playoff on Sunday, Birrell is back in the big time.

The 20-year-old’s sole main-draw experience was against future world No. 1 ­Karolina Pliskova two years ago, losing 6-4 6-4.

“I feel like that was such a long time ago now. I feel like I was such a little baby,” Birrell said. “But it really helps having the experience. I’ve been around the environment. It’s not going to be anything new.

“During that AO, I played on Hisense Arena, one of the biggest courts in the world, so I’m definitely going to draw on that experience, for sure.”

Seemingly destined for a rapid ascent, Birrell was ­ambushed by injury.

“I’ve learnt so much since then,” she said. “It’s only two years, but it feels like a lifetime ago because I’ve been through so much through then.

Kimberly Birrell celebrates winning her match against Astra Sharma.

“Obviously coming from the surgery and kind of almost starting from scratch.

“I’ve played so much more tennis since then. My body is completely different. I have so much more faith in myself that I canback up match after match and that I can compete against the top girls.

“I never take anything for granted, but I was hopeful (of recovering) through every ­single training session.

Kimberly Birrell plays a backhand in her match against Ellen Perez.

Ellen Perez went down in straight sets. Picture: Getty Images

“You always have to have goals and dream big and that’s what I’ve done.

“It’s going to be incredible come January — super ­excited.’’

Sharma, who graduated from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee in May, is certain to be considered for a discretionary wildcard.

“I’m so grateful that I could even be here,” Sharma, 23, said. “It’s been such a great experience. To Kim, congrats on some lights-out tennis. I’ll be rooting for you at the AO.”

The right-hander won All-American honours in singles and doubles while majoring in medicine and health and society.

Originally published as Kimberly Birrell happy to be back in the big time after winning Australian Open wildcard playoff