Kim Birrell’s journey to the Australian Open was not as easy as many of her peers, but her resilient efforts on the court proved a promising sign for her future.

Birrell was left choking back tears as she fell to the hard surface at Australian Open qualifying on Thursday, defeating Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4.

The 26-year-old faced the intense power and agility of Selekhmeteva, who forced her Australian counterpart through three gruelling sets.

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Failing to win the second set despite twice leading by a break, Birrell gained ahold of two match points before eventually sealing the deal.

Birrell was left in tears as she celebrated her success on the court in what marks her ninth home grand slam appearance since 2015.

“I just feel so many things,” she said as the tears began to flow.

“I’m happy, grateful, relieved, tired … I’m just absolutely stoked. I can’t wait to play next week.”

In the qualification tournament, Birrell spent more than five and a half hours on the court battling rivals.

The 2024 programme was the second successive time Birrell missed out on a main-draw spot as the country’s No.1 player. She was also overlooked for a wildcard spot.

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But those omissions made her qualification all the more sweeter.

“I just did the best that I could to hang in there,” she said.

“I told myself, ‘she’s good, but I’m good too’. I loved the battle and I knew that was what it was going to take.

“I played really well at my home tournament in Brisbane. But I still knew it was going to take some effort against the girls.

“I qualified for a slam before but it felt nothing like this. To qualify for my home slam is the best feeling. I’m so, so happy. I’m just taking it one match at a time.”

Birrell credited her success to the support of her family.

“It’s been a lot of hours on court [over 5 and 1/2] and on the practice courts. They’ve played every single point with me,” said Birrell.

“My family – my parents and my brother have sacrificed so much for me to be able to chase my dreams.

“I’m so lucky to work with amazing coaches. They’ve been with me through the ups and down of injury. I could not have done this without them.’

What’s next for Birrell?

“Sleep. Lots of sleep,” the Aussie laughed.