Kimberly Birrell vs Ena Shibahara Prediction, Picks, Odds, H2H, Stats - 10/9/24

Kim Birrell and Ena Shibahara had to overcome a three-set qualifying match to reach the main draw of the Guadalajara Open and now they’ll meet in the first round on Tuesday in Mexico.

Birrell played 50 games in two qualifying matches to reach the main draw and a 3-set win over compatriot Taylah Preston saw the Aussie through.

Shibahara was pushed to the limit in her final qualifying win against American Liz Mandlik after easily dismantling Emiliana Arango.  

EJ Garr’s Kimberly Birrell vs Ena Shibahara prediction won’t decide the winner of this match but check out his tip with +131 odds below because we’re going the distance, baby!

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Kimberly Birrell vs Ena Shibahara Prediction: We’re Going The Distance!

• Prediction: Match Total Over 2.5 Sets
• Best Odds: +131
• Bookmaker: Pinnacle
• Stakes: 3/10

Odds updated at 7:00 am UK Time on September 10, 2024.

Kim Birrell was pushed to a 7 – 5, 7 – 5 result against 268th-ranked Victoria Hu to begin qualifying and that didn’t exactly give the Australian native a boost of confidence despite the win. Birrell was broken four times and the 22-year-old American threw 8 aces on the table against her but luckily for Kim that serve is what ultimately cost Hu the match.

Birrell needed that win over her fellow Aussie Taylah Preston and after cruising to a first-set win, 6 – 3, Preston fought back to force an extra frame. Kim needed the win to play in the main draw but needed the test to find some confidence in her game after starting the North American swing 0 – 3. 

Let’s just say that Birrell got a favorable draw at the US Open that produced a few wins but Kim has struggled to find wins on hard courts this season.

Ena Shibahara saw her ranking jump to 169th on the WTA Tour after four wins at the US Open. That run ended when she lost to some upstart newbie named Iga Swiatek, HA!

Even getting a crack at Swiatek to see what she brings to the table had to be a good learning experience regardless of the result of the match. Ena is 7 – 2 in her last 9 outings and the line setters are showing her respect with the even line.

We’re going the distance so buckle up that +131 offer from Pinnacle on the Over 2.5 Sets prop in Mexico! Caliente!

KIM BIRRELL RECENT FORM

Birrell’s ranking has fallen to 150th on the WTA Tour which is 35 spots below where she started the campaign. 

Kim is 17 – 17 on hardcourts this season and no one knew she would produce a 10 – 4 record on the grass this year. Birrell had gone 1 – 11 on grass entering this season and now it might be the only surface that produces a winning record for the campaign.

ENA SHIBAHARA RECENT FORM

Shibahara is positioned to have a winning record on all three surfaces in 2024.

With a 26 – 9 hard court record, Ena is 33 – 13 and a far cry from the 543rd-ranking to begin the campaign. Any kind of run in Guadalajara could push the Japanese native into the top 150 of the WTA Rankings but at 26-years-old the time is now to be playing your best tennis.

BIRRELL VS SHIBAHARA H2H –  STAT OF THE MATCH

This will be the first meeting between Kim Birrell and Ena Shibahara on any surface.

The winner of this match will go on to face 4-seed Caroline Garcia who received a pass to the second round.

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