Kim Birrell achieved her first WTA title after defeating fellow Australian Maya Joint in the final of the Korea Open, yet lost her status as the top-ranked Australian women's player shortly thereafter. This match took place on September 28, 2026, marking a significant milestone for Birrell, who celebrated a 6-4, 6-2 victory.
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Despite her triumph in Seoul, Birrell was unable to maintain her number one ranking after Talia Gibson's performance in the Singapore Open. Gibson, who reached the final but lost to Canadian Leylah Fernandez, gained enough ranking points from the larger WTA 500 event to surpass Birrell.
Birrell rose into the world's top-50 following her victory, a notable accomplishment in a year that also included a significant win over Jessica Pegula at the French Open. This Korea Open match was the first all-Australian WTA final since Sam Stosur defeated Daria Gavrilova in 2017.
Reflecting on her win, Birrell acknowledged the emotional complexity of competing against a close friend. "It was quite difficult for us today because we are very good friends. I hope you know how proud I am of you and how amazing you are," she said to Joint. Meanwhile, Joint, who faced challenges this year, including injuries, expressed pride in her friend’s achievement.
In other news, Team World, featuring Alex de Minaur, lost to Europe in the Laver Cup after a doubles defeat with American Taylor Fritz. De Minaur previously won his singles match against Alexander Zverev, but the doubles outcome ensured Europe took an unassailable lead in the competition. "We were very close," de Minaur remarked. "A couple points here and there could have changed the whole tie." AAP