'Couldn't be happier' - Danielle Collins through to first Grand Slam final at Australian Open

Danielle Collins says all her hard work has been worth it as she swept past Iga Swiatek to reach her first Grand Slam final. She’ll face world number one Ashleigh Barty in Saturday’s showpiece event at the Australian Open. Ad/> Collins is relishing the opportunity to take on the best player in the world, saying “we’ve had some incredible battles over the years.” /> Australian Open'Staggeringly good' — Collins clinches place in final with win over SwiatekAN HOUR AGO /> The 28-year-old won 6-4 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena, and was full of emotion after securing victory.

«It feels amazing. It has been such a journey. It is so many years of hard work.

Yesterday I spoke about all the early mornings my Dad would get up and practise with me before school. It is incredible to be on this stage, especially after all the health challenges. I couldn't be happier”, she said.

Collins reached the semi-finals in Melbourne in 2019, but her latest triumph takes her somewhere she’s never been before. 'It's unreal' — Barty delighted to be in maiden Australian Open final on home soil Collins swats aside Swiatek to reach first ever Grand Slam final McEnroe backs Williams to make another 'real run' at a Grand Slam title An explosive, dynamic and ruthless performance from the American gave Swiatek little chance in their semi-final, with Collins bouncing back any time she faced a drop in momentum, including missing two set point opportunities in the first. Speaking about what’s changed to allow her to be enjoying more success at the tournament, Collins says, „I have added more variety to my game over the last couple of years but this is my Plan A.