(Melbourne) World No. 1 Iga Swiatek lost 4-1 in the final set, but ultimately won 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 against 2022 finalist Danielle Collins to book her ticket to the third tour of the Australian Open.
“I don’t even know,” Swiatek said of how she got back into the match. Honestly, I could already see myself at the airport, but I wanted to fight until the end. I’m proud of myself because it wasn’t easy. »
Both players beat former tournament champions in the first round. Swiatek defeated 2020 winner Sofia Kenin, while Collins defeated 2016 champion Angelique Kerber.
PHOTO MARTIN KEEP, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Danielle Collins
Swiatek had two match points at 15-40 in the final game, but Collins tied things up, even giving himself a game point with a forehand winner from the baseline. Swiatek got a third chance to win, and this time she didn’t miss the chance.
The favorite won in three hours 14 minutes, ending the duel with a backhand down the line.
The third racket in the world Elena Rybakina, finalist at this tournament last year, will play against Anna Blinkova at the end of the program (around 3 a.m. Montreal time).