Danielle Collins ruthlessly powers past Alize Cornet in straight sets to reach Australian Open semi-finals

ByJames Kilpatrick

Updated 26/01/2022 at 05:32 GMT

Danielle Collins was far too good for Alize Cornet in the opening quarter-finals match on Day 10 on Rod Laver Arena. Cornet struggled physically in the searing heat in the second set and Collins ruthlessly capitalised to reach her second ever Grand Slam semi-final in Melbourne in one hour and 28 minutes. Stream the 2022 Australian Open live and on demand on discovery+.

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 major appearance.

The American No 27 seed will play Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals after the Pole overcame Kaia Kanepi in three sets.

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"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."

'I gave up so much' - Collins says semi-final place means a lot for her family

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 second set. She continued to apply the pressure on Cornet’s first serve and she went 2-0 up by delivering a ferocious forehand return.

On the hottest day of the tournament so far Cornet was visibly tiring while Collins was growing in confidence. Collins continued to dominate from the baseline and quickly reeled off another three games.

Cornet, who was hunching over at times throughout the second set, clawed back a service game but Collins would see it out on her own serve as her opponent unseeded opponent fired a forehand into the net.

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