Australian Open 2022 - Danielle Collins swats aside Iga Swiatek to reach first ever Grand Slam final

Danielle Collins has beaten Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena, setting up an epic Australian Open final against home favourite Ashleigh Barty. Collins started the match in explosive fashion, powering a succession of winners down the line which were well beyond Swiatek’s reach. She won the first game after her opponent double faulted at a crucial moment, capitalising ruthlessly, before dropping a single point on serve and then securing a double break to leave the world No 9 desperately searching for answers.

Ad/> Swiatek managed to hold at the third time of asking before breaking back, with both players struggling on serve for there on out. Collins got her third break of the match after her opponent spooned a return wide, but Swiatek then saved two set points to break back once more after the American double faulted twice. Australian Open'She’s a great problem solver now' — Schett on 'evolving' SwiatekYESTERDAY AT 11:09 Despite continuing to look shaky on serve, Swiatek started to grow into the match.

She held to make it 5-4 and force Collins to serve out the set, which she duly did with three aces and a decisive rally – either side of a double fault – in a fittingly mercurial finish. Collins regained control in the opening game of the second set, sweeping an angled winner across the court for another instant break. Given the fluctuating rhythm of the match, it felt like a turning point when she then held to love.

Swiatek couldn’t stop the slide, giving up a double break with little resistance. She fought back to take Collins to deuce at 3-0, but a couple of big serves won the game for her opponent and strengthened her foothold in the final. The pair traded games from there before Collins won the match with a sixth