Australian Open: Unseeded American Reaches Semis

Australian Open: Unseeded American Reaches Semis
Danielle Collins celebrates stunning victory over anastasia. (Image courtesy AFP)

American Danielle Collins caused a major upset at the ongoing Australian Open as she came from a set down to defeat Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Tuesday to reach the semi-final.

The 25-year old edge out Pavlyuchenkova, world number 44, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 to reach the last four in a dream debut.

Collins, ranked 35 in the world, had ousted Angelique Kerber in the fourth round.

“Yeah it’s my first time to play on Rod Laver (Arena),” she said after the game.

“I didn’t even practice on here. It was quite the experience. I really love it.”

Concise news understands that it has been five times Pavlyuchenkova, 27, has made a Grand Slam quarter-finals and the Russian has failed to advance every time.

While Collins had never won a match at a Grand Slam in five previous attempts but is on a Cinderella run at Melbourne Park.

Pavlyuchenkova started strongly and broke in the opening game when Collins fired a forehand into the net.

The American fought desperately to get back on level terms in the next, attacking Pavlyuchenkova’s second serve to carve out five break chances over 17 minutes.

But the Russian held on to make it 2-0, prompting Collins to smash her racquet to the ground in frustration.

The marathon game left her temporarily drained and Pavlyuchenkova took an easy break in the next, running away with the set after notching three breaks to one.

The American argued with the umpire over a disputed line call as Pavlyuchenkova served out the set in 49 minutes.

Collins remained vocal as she renewed her attack, yelling in triumph after securing a break in the fifth game and eventually forcing a deciding set with a cross-court forehand.

This time it was Pavlyuchenkova who was rattled, receiving a warning for time wasting as she tried to compose herself before going down a double break.

Collins raced to 5-0 and left Pavlyuchenkova floundering at the net with a lob to bring up match point.

The Russian survived but it only delayed the inevitable and Collins sealed the win after two hours 16 minutes.

 

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