Birrell surprise as Joint prepares for Raducanu test

Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith celebrate their Australian Open mixed doubles final win. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell has sprung a surprise at the Eastbourne Open, tipping out 2020 Australian Open champion and world No.29 Sofia Kenin in straight sets.

Birrell, 27, the world No.77, bounced back from a first-round exit at Nottingham last week to put out Kenin, of the United States, 6-4 6-4 in the pre-Wimbledon tournament.