Australian Tennis Rising stars Shine at Brisbane International

Brisbane, Australia – January 5, 2026 – A new wave of Australian tennis talent is making waves at the Brisbane International, with Emerson Jones, Kimberly Birrell, and Olivia Gadecki all securing frist-round victories on Monday.These wins serve as crucial planning for the upcoming Australian Open.

Emerson Jones Upsets Higher-Ranked opponent

Seventeen-year-old Emerson Jones delivered a standout performance, defeating GermanyS Tatjana Maria, ranked 43rd in the world, 6-3, 6-3.Jones, currently ranked 147th, showcased a well-rounded game, combining powerful shots with strategic drop shots and overheads. The daughter of Olympic triathlon silver medalist Loretta Harrop, Jones will now face world number 17 Liudmila Samsonova in the second round.

“Her [Maria’s] game was a bit tricky but I’m so happy I got it done, I’m super happy with how I played tonight,” Jones said, adding, “This is one of the best crowds I’ve ever played with. I’m so excited.”

Birrell and Gadecki Join the Winning streak

Kimberly Birrell also enjoyed a prosperous start to the summer season, earning an emotional 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over Slovakia’s Rebecca Šramková, ranked 71st.Birrell is aiming to replicate her impressive quarterfinal run at the tournament last year. Her victory sets up a second-round clash with world number three Amanda Anisimova.

“I probably sound like a broken record, but just to get to play a tournament so close to where I grew up … I know these corridors and these courts very well,” Birrell commented. “I was a little bit more nervous today than I have been in previous years, especially because of how well I played here last year. I was just feeling a little bit more of those emotions. Sometimes I like to lean into it and try to use it to my advantage, and I probably just let it out at the end.”

Olivia Gadecki, ranked 52nd, also advanced to the second round with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over American Ann Li. Gadecki will next face 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva,currently ranked ninth in the world.

Australian Open Coverage

ABC Sport will have live coverage of the Australian open from January 18.

Key Takeaways:

• Emerson Jones, 17, achieved a critically important upset win over Tatjana Maria.
• Kimberly Birrell and Olivia Gadecki also secured first-round victories.
• The players are using the Brisbane International as preparation for the Australian open.