Danielle Rose Collins is one of the players from the match between two Australian Open semifinalists who can advance to the quarter-finals of the 2022 season.
In less than 3 hours, the American showed enough tenacity to beat Belgian Elise Mertens and secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
In stifling conditions inside Rod Laver Arena, the 27th seed’s attack and bravery looked impressive in crucial moments that helped him overcome 19th seed Mertens as well as his own physical struggles.
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After losing six of seven games to lose the first set despite leading 3-0, the American broke Mertens six more times throughout the second and third sets.
Three of the 45 winners created in the match helped Rose Collins find the break that sent the match into the decider and a backhand winner on the final point sent her to victory after 2 hours 51 minutes.
“I think to do well in a tournament of this magnitude, you have to try to get out of the storm,” said Rose Collins.
“I think you have moments when you play some of your best games. Sometimes you lose your rhythm or you are faced with a little pain and also Sometimes you are faced with physical conditions and weather. There are so many different elements.”
“I’m just trying to get out of it as much as possible. I love watching professional surfers and I really admire what they do, how they get on a surfboard, how they deal with all the elements, so I use that analogy in my mind a lot.”
The 27th seed has played 12 tournaments in her career in Australia and has reached the quarter-finals or better on seven occasions. She has come a long way at the Australian Open this season, having come from a set down in her last two matches before joining compatriots Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals.
Waiting for Rose Collins in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open is French tennis player, Alize Cornet.
“I think he’s a great player. I think he works hard and his tenacity comes out every time he plays and goes on the pitch. He’s always been a great player to watch, someone who’s a lot of fun to watch on a daily basis and in the dressing room. I really appreciate it,” commented Danielle Rose Collins of Cornet.
