MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Danielle COLLINS prevails over Angelique KERBER in three-sets battle
WTA
Danielle
Collins (No. 62) overcame the challenge of former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber
(No. 655) with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory, advancing to the second round of the
Australian Open, where she will face the current No. 1, Iga Swiatek. Kerber,
the 2016 champion, suffered her third consecutive defeat in her Melbourne
debut, just as in 2021 and 2022.
The German
made her comeback to a Grand Slam after 18 months as a mother. In her
preparation, she participated in the 2024 United Cup in early January, though
she did not perform well in singles, securing four losses and only one victory
in the semifinals against Alja Tomljanovic (No. 291).
Collins
began the season at the Brisbane International but fell to the 15th seed Zhu
Lin (61, 3-6, 6-7) in the second round. The following week, she traveled to
Auckland for the ASB Classic, where she was defeated in the first round by the
first seed Elise Mertens with a decisive 2-6, 3-6.
In the
first set, Collins took the initial break to lead 2-0 but lost her subsequent
service game, allowing Kerber to equalize 2-2 with her service. Doubts crept in
for Kerber from the sixth game, conceding her service, allowing Collins to lead
4-2, and then losing three consecutive games. The American won the first set
6-2.
In the
second set, both players secured an early break, maintaining equality with
their serves until 3-3. Collins gave Kerber a break opportunity, which the
German did not waste. Similar to her rival in the first set, Kerber won three
consecutive games after the sixth game, including two breaks, taking the set
6-3 to level the match.
In a tense
third set, Kerber saved two break points and held her service to start 1-0.
From there, Collins was full of confidence, aggressively seeking points and
capitalizing on Kerber appearing fatigued in the exchanges.
Collins won six consecutive games, overwhelming Kerber, and
concluded the match with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in one hour and 54 minutes of
play. In the second round, she will face the formidable challenge of the world
No. 1, Iga Swiatek, who overcame a tough challenge against Sofia Kenin (No. 41)
with a 7-6(2), 6-2 victory.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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