The Estonian No.31 seed served for the match at 5-4 in the second set, but Birrell fought back before powering through the third set to win 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 in two and half hours as the temperature soared past 35 degrees at Melbourne Park.

The 24-year-old became one of just two Australian women to advance to the second round at their home slam this year, joining Olivia Gadecki, who beat Russian Polina Kudermetova on Monday.

Kanepi, 37, drives trucks in her native country in her spare time and for much of the deciding set on Tuesday she looked like she’d rather be back there – or anywhere else really – rather than slugging it out with Birrell under the blazing sun at Kia Arena.

Birrell’s only two previous victories at grand slam level came during her run to the third round of the 2019 Australian Open.

Tuesday’s triumph was even more satisfying as she has battled a series of serious injuries in recent years.

“I would say that even without this win today it was all worthwhile,” Birrell said.
I’m doing what I absolutely love … living the dream.”

Birrell took full advantage of her late wildcard into the 2023 tournament, which only became available when former world No.1 Venus Williams handed it back after suffering a leg injury at the warm-up event in Auckland.

Kanepi has reached the quarter-finals seven times at the majors, most recently last year at Melbourne Park.

It seemed likely that all of that big-match experience would be telling late in the second set on Tuesday, only for Birrell to turn the tide and break back for 5-5 before holding her nerve in the tiebreaker to force a decider.

“To be honest, I was trying not to think about it,” said Birrell.

“I knew she was a quality player and I know how deep she has gone in slams.

“Congrats to her for all the success she’s had, but I’m just so happy that I won today and get to play here again.”

Birrell’s second-round opponent will be Czech Linda Fruhvirtova, who beat fellow Australian wildcard Jaimee Fourlis 6-0 6-4 on Tuesday.

Countrywomen Storm Hunter and Talia Gibson were both eliminated on day one.

Australia’s highest-ranked female player Ajla Tomljanovic was forced to withdraw with a knee injury two days before the tournament began.

Meanwhile, spectators have been captured flouting Tennis Australia’s new ban on Russian and Belarusian flags being displayed at the Australian Open.

TA had initially permitted spectators to bring Russian and Belarusian banners to Melbourne Park, as long as they did not cause disruption.

But the policy was reversed on Tuesday morning after a Russian flag was prominently displayed courtside during a match involving Ukrainian player Kateryna Baindl.

Despite the ban, a Russian flag was hoisted by fans during Tuesday’s match between Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev and Austrian Dominic Them on John Cain Arena.

The extreme heat policy was also enacted on a scorching day two of the Australian Open, with play suspended on the outside courts at Melbourne Park.

Action was continuing on the three main show courts, with the roof closed on Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena and Margaret Court Arena.

The high-profile round-one encounter between former world No.1 Andy Murray and No.13 seed Matteo Berrettini will now start and finish under the roof on RLA.

The air temperature is above 35 degrees in Melbourne and is set to soar beyond the forecast maximum of 36 degrees.