January 27, (THEWILL) – The Australian Open continued on Rod Laver Arena as Danielle Collins defeated Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-1 to set up a thrilling Australian Open final versus Ashleigh Barty, a home favourite.
Collins got out to a fast start in the match, launching a flurry of wins down the line that were well beyond Swiatek’s reach. She won the first game after her opponent double-faulted at a vital point, capitalising ruthlessly, before missing a single point on serve and then securing a double break, leaving the world number nine looking for solutions.
Swiatek held his serve at the third attempt before breaking back, and both players struggled on serve after that. Collins broke for the third time in the match after her opponent’s return was spooned wide, but Swiatek saved two set chances to break back after Collins double-faulted twice.
Despite continuing to serve shakily, Swiatek began to settle during the match. She held to make it 5-4, forcing Collins to serve out the set, which she dutifully did with three aces and a decisive rally — either side of a double fault – in a dramatic conclusion.
Collins took control of the match in the second set’s first game, stroking an angled winner across the court for an immediate break. Given the match’s erratic flow, it felt like a turning point when she finally held on to love.
Swiatek was powerless to stop the slide, surrendering a double break with little effort. She came back to take Collins to deuce at 3-0, but Collins won the game with a few powerful serves and improved her position in the final.
From there, the players traded games until Collins won the match with his sixth and final break. After reaching her first Grand Slam final, she now confronts her toughest test of her career against the world number one.
Talking about what it meant to reach the grand finale after the match, an elated Collins responded: “It feels amazing. It’s been such a journey and it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s been so many years of hard work and hours at an early age on court. I mean, yesterday I was talking about all the early mornings where my dad would get up with me and practise before school.
“It’s just incredible to be on this stage, especially with the health challenges, and I’m just so grateful. I couldn’t be happier.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
