Kimberly Birrell's quest for a maiden WTA Tour title will move on after she was beaten in the ATX Open semi-finals by fourth-seeded hometown favourite Peyton Stearns in Austin, Texas.Â
Trying to reach a third career final, the 27-year-old Australian fought back to claim the second set before the American triumphed 6-3 3-6 6-2 on Saturday.
World No.80 Birrell had beaten her countrywoman Ajla Tomljanovic in quarter-finals.
Birrell previously reached the final in Chennai last October and the Japan Open the year before, but was beaten in both.