Kimberly Birrell Kangaroo Photos

Hope Island junior Kimberly Birrell has successfully mastered the clay courts of Italy  in recent weeks, winning three consecutive international 12/u tournaments.

Birrell, who was in Italy as a member of the Tennis Australia 12/u Claycourt Tour, went undefeated in singles and also took home two doubles titles at events in Padova, Trieste and Porto San Giorgio.

“This tour was a great opportunity to come to Europe and learn how to play on clay,” Birrell said.

“It has been really fun to learn all the new skills and compete against different players.”

Twelve-year-old Birrell began her successful run with victory in singles at the Torneo Citta di Padova and at the same event teamed with Maddison Inglis to also win the doubles title.

The following week she backed up the result, taking both the singles and doubles titles at the IIX Trofeo Citta Di Trieste.

In her final tournament, the Euro Trophy Porto San Giorgio, Birrel defeated the No.1 Italian junior Cecilia Castelli in the final to take her third singles title in as many weeks.

Tennis Australia Camps and Tours Coordinator Mark Edney who is in Italy travelling with the team was impressed with Birrell’s performance throughout the tour.

“Kimberly worked very hard daily at finding ways to improve and get better,” Edney said.

“Her ability to learn new skills and implement those skills was remarkable and her improvement and great results were a direct result of this.”