Amanda Anisimova vs Kimberly Birrell preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and betting tips | Brisbane International 2026

Match Details

Fixture: (2) Amanda Anisimova vs Kimberly Birrell

Date: January 6, 2026

Tournament: Brisbane International 2026

Round: Second Round

Category: Brisbane International Qualifiers

Venue: Queensland Tennis Centre

Surface: Hard

Prize Money: $1,206,446

Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN

Amanda Anisimova vs Kimberly Birrell preview

Amanda Anisimova will take on Kimberly Birrell in the second round of the Brisbane International.

Anisimova had one of the best seasons of her career last year. Apart from title-winning runs in Doha and Beijing, she also secured a runner-up finish in Wimbledon, New York, and Queen's Club. Despite a resilient performance against Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed defeated her at the US Open last year.

Anisimova will enter Brisbane after a semifinal exit in the WTA Finals. She defeated Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek in the group-stage rounds, but lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the last four. The Belarusian outfoxed her in three sets, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Birrell at the 2026 Brisbane International: Day 2 - Source: Getty

Birrell, on the other hand, had a modest season in 2025. Apart from a runner-up finish in Chennai, she also clinched the title in Brisbane (ITF W75) and reached the quarterfinals in Singapore. The Australian also entered the main draw in Melbourne via the qualifiers, but lost to Eva Lys in the first round.

Birrell entered the Brisbane International after a semifinal appearance in Sydney. She started her campaign with a resilient win over Rebecca Sramkova. The 27-year-old defeated Sramkova in three sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

Amanda Anisimova vs Kimberly Birrell head-to-head

Anisimova leads the head-to-head against Birrell 1-0. She defeated the Australian at the US Open last year.

Amanda Anisimova vs Kimberly Birrell odds

Player Name	Moneyline	Handicap Bets	Total Games
Amanda Anisimova	-650	+1.5 (-2500)	Over 19.5 (-110)
Kimberly Birrell	+425	-1.5 (+675)	Under 19.5 (-135)

BetMGM sources all odds.

Amanda Anisimova vs Kimberly Birrell prediction

There will be high expectations from Anisimova to do well in 2026. She couldn't make her mark in two Grand Slam finals, but could use the learnings and raise her level on tour. The American is only 24-years-old and could create genuine problems for her peers.

Birrell, on the other hand, chipped in with some good results last year. She not only defeated some resilient players, such as Marie Bouzkova, Sofia Kenin, and Bianca Andreescu, but also came close to winning her first WTA title. The Australian has made a good start in Brisbane and needs to do her homework for the second round.

Considering their recent results and skill set on hardcourts, Anisimova is a clear favorite to come out on top. Birrell could capitalize on her confidence and match fitness, but the Americans formidable groundstrokes and high-tactical acumen could be too much to handle. She is most likely to come up short in the second round.

Pick: Anisimova to win in straight sets.

Amanda Anisimova vs Kimberly Birrell betting tips

Tip 1: Match to have less than 20 games.

Tip 2: Anisimova to register more than 12 winners.