Danielle Collins ruthlessly powers past Alize Cornet in straight sets into the Australian Open semi-finals

Danielle Collins is into the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the second time in her career after powering past Alize Cornet 7-5 6-1. Collins’ serving and power from the baseline was too strong for her French opponent who was playing in her first ever Australian Open quarter-final at her 63rd appearance at a major. Ad/> The American No 27 seed will play either Iga Swiatek or Kaia Kanepi in the last four.

Australian OpenOrder of play, Day 10: Medvedev in top-10 battle, Cornet and Kanepi chase first semis8 HOURS AGO «It feels incredible [to be in the semi-finals],» Collins said afterwards. «Especially after some of the health challenges that I've had and to be able to get back to this level and feel able to compete like I have been, and to be as physical as I have been, has been so rewarding. »Playing against the girls I've been playing against the last couple of matches against really good competitors and athletes is an honour.

«I've been playing tennis since I was seven years old. I've worked at this every day. I gave up so much as a kid to get to where I am at now.

»The amount of hours I spend each day on the court playing in the park with my Dad and him driving me around everywhere trying to get me the best resources and to get to where I am today. «With the health challenges I know it means a lot to me and my family as well.» /> Collins broke Cornet’s resistance early in the first set. She moved into a 3-1 lead after a gruelling 12 minute game by hitting a backhand winner at the net.

Cornet broke back at 5-5 after Collins hit a loose forehand into the net. But Collins went on to seal the first set in 59 minutes on the Frenchwoman’s serve as she hit a wild forehand long. Momentum was fully with Collins in the