American Danielle Collins made light work of Iga Świątek to move into her first Grand Slam final.
The Pole looked exhausted, particularly in the second set, after her exploits in the quarter finals against Kaia Kanepi, and was no match for the explosive Collins. Świątek going down 6-4, 6-1.
Collins will face Ash Barty in the title match, who also came through in a comfortable straight sets, against another American, Madison Keys, 6-1, 6-3.
It’s looking to be a procession for the world number one in Melbourne, who has yet to drop a set.
On Saturday, the two-time Grand Slam winner will look to become the first Australian women to win on home soil for 44 years.
Having recovered from endometriosis last year, Collins’ run to the final is even more spectacular.
She immediately stamped her authority, breaking Świątek in the opening game.
This was backed up with a comfortable hold, that was sealed with a barnstorming backhand drive. Collins soon nabbed the double break and raced into a 4-0 lead.
But Świątek, to her credit, battled back, holding serve and breaking the American with some explosive hitting.She now trailed 4-2.
A topsy-turvy set of tennis saw Collins break the Pole for the third time, but the drama was only just getting started.
Świątek miraculously saved three set points, the second with a sublime backhand volley, to the delight of Rod Laver Arena, and broke the American, again.
This was backed up with a hold serve, to beg the question, could Collins serve it out and she did, converting her fourth set point in a marathon rally, 6-4.
The 27th seed had all the momentum going into the second set and clinically broke the Pole with some irresistible hitting.
More power tennis flowed from the American’s racquet and she secured the double break, moving into a 4-0 lead.
The seventh seed simply had no answer to Collins’ dominance, and although she saved a match point, the American was far too strong and made no mistake on her second.
After the match she spoke to the crowd.
“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 the court,” she said.
“Yesterday I was talking about all the early mornings where my dad would get up with me and practice 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.”
