Iga Swiatek
emerges victorious in a tough challenge against
Danielle Collins in the second round of the 2024
Australian Open, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. It was undoubtedly a
challenging draw for the Polish player, who, despite being the first seed,
faced the 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin (No. 41) in the first round
and defeated her 7-6(2), 6-2. In the second round, her opponent was the 2022
Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins (No. 68).
In the
first round, she overcame the 3-times Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber, the
AO champion in 2016, who returned to the tour two weeks ago after a break for
pregnancy. The American secured the victory with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 and
set up the 6th encounter against Swiatek (with the Polish player leading 4-1).
In the
first set, both players saved break points in their opening service games.
Collins secured the first break of the match in the fourth game to take a 3-1
lead, but she couldn't hold her service in the next game, and the world No. 1
leveled the match at 3-3. While Collins was serving at 3-3, 15-15, rain
started, leading to a brief pause to dry the court and close the roof.
Upon
resumption, Collins faced difficulties in holding her service, but the break
was not decisive. Both players entered a high level, and Swiatek also defended
her service. With the score at 4-4, Collins gave her opponent another chance,
and the 4-times Grand Slam champion didn't hesitate to secure the break and win
the first set 6-4.
Swiatek got
an early break in the second set and seemed poised to maintain the advantage
against the American, who was facing a challenging moment. However, the former
world No. 7 persisted, taking more risks for winners, resulting in an
incredible comeback where she won five consecutive games, including three
breaks against the world No. 1, leading the American 5-1. Collins conceded her
service once and wasted five set points before eventually claiming the set 6-3.
The third
set was a battle with both players engaged in prolonged, contested games.
Swiatek defended her first service game, but Collins continued with a good
feeling, winning the next four games consecutively and taking a 4-1 lead with
two breaks. The world No. 1 showcased the best of her tennis, responding with
another five consecutive game wins, including three breaks, to close the match
6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
The 4-times
Grand Slam champion extended her winning streak to 18, considering the China
Open,
WTA Finals, United Cup, and now the Australian Open. The Polish player
also reached the third round in all 14 Grand Slams played this decade so far, a
unique achievement among both male and female players.
In the
third round, she will face Linda Noskova (No. 50), a rising 17-year-old star
who eliminated the 31st seed Marie Bouzkova in the first round with a score of
6-1, 7-5, and secured another victory against McCartney Kessler (No. 206) with
a score of 6-3, 1-6, 6-4.
The young
Czech reached the semifinals of the WTA 500 Brisbane Open last week, including
victories over the 10th seed Sorana Cirstea and the 16-year-old young star
Mirra Andreeva.
