Leylah Annie Fernandez vs Kimberly Birrell Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Hong Kong Open

Prediction published on 30/10/2024, 02:22  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 30/10/2024 at 02:26 in Tennis Predictions

Third seed Leylah Fernandez will take on the unseeded Kimberly Birrell in the second round in Hong Kong. Going into the Thursday match, let’s look at the stats before offering our prediction.

Leylah Fernandez is the defending Hong Kong champion. She won the title on her debut campaign last year and is unbeaten in six matches here after a strong return.

The Canadian defeated Heather Watson by the loss of four games in the first round. That was the fifth victory in her last seven outings. Fernandez, who is placed 32nd in the WTA, has improved her record to 29-23 after winning her 16th match on hard court.

Kimberly Birrell arrived in Hong Kong after a stellar performance in Osaka. The Australian secured a runner-up finish at the Japan Women’s Open which is her best-ever result at a tour event.

This momentum ensured she also had a strong start to this event. Birrell outlasted Ana Bogdan in straight sets in the first round. The eighth victory in her last 10 outings has moved her six places to 109th in the live ranking.

Birrell has compiled a dominant 40-26 record competing across the three tennis tiers.

The winner here will play Shi Han or Bernarda Pera in the quarter-finals.