Aoi Ito vs Kimberly Birrell Preview & Prediction | 2026 China Open | First Round
by Alex Meechan ·
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Kimberly Birrell takes on Aoi Ito in round one of the China Open.
Ranking points: WTA 1000
Start date/time:
Venue: National Tennis Center, Beijing, China
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Aoi Ito vs Kimberly Birrell ticket information
Aoi Ito vs Kimberly Birrell prediction
Aoi Ito has fallen to well outside the top 300 due to recent injury problems, and she is now searching for greater consistency and a strong finish to 2026. Her recent form has been mixed: Ito reached an ITF W50 semi-final in Evora earlier this month but failed to qualify in Singapore last week after a three set defeat to Nao Hibino.
Kimberly Birrell could hardly arrive in better spirits after winning the first tour-level title of her career at the Korea Open. She beat compatriot Maya Joint in straight sets. The Australian has now just broken into the top 50 of the world rankings for the first time. Birrell leads the match-up 2-0 against Ito, winning their last match at the 2024 Osaka semi-final.
It’s a quick turnaround for Birrell, but she has enjoyed the superior hard court results and will be full of confidence after that title win.
Aoi Ito vs Kimberly Birrell tip: Kimberly Birrell to win
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Aoi Ito vs Kimberly Birrell
