Iga Swiatek survives major scare from Danielle Collins at Australian Open

Danielle Collins played some of the best tennis of her career in the second set against World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. She hit the ball with power and pace. Swiatek was visibly anxious and uncomfortable with the turn of events after winning the first set. Collins' excellent play forced a third set decider which she led by a break.

Swiatek was forced to come from behind winning five straight games in the third set, and she ended up the victor. 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. For the second time this year, the first being at the United Cup, fans saw Swiatek wearing a knee support band at the end of the match. Iga Swiatek's draw has been very challenging with Sofia Kenin and Danielle Collins as her first two opponents.

Afteer the match, Collins made a startling announcement at her press conference. It seemingly came out of nowhere, but she clearly had given it a lot of thought and was ready to share the news.

What Danielle Collins said after her second round loss to Iga Swiatek

Collins announced that this would be her final year on the WTA Tour. With that tough loss, her career as a singles player at the Australian Open was done. Fans appreciate the former NCAA Champion's gritty and hard-hitting style, and she will be missed on the WTA Tour.

She did not put an exact timetable on when her final match would be. Collins said it would be sometime this year. That leaves the door open for an Olympic run and to play the Billie Jean King Cup with new captain Lindsay Davenport.

Collins turned 30 years old in December. Her best Grand Slam finish was as a finalist at the 2022 Australian Open against Ash Barty who ironically retired shortly after their match. Collins won two career titles and achieved a career-high World No. 7 ranking in July 2022. She is currently ranked 62nd in the world.

In 2023, she won her first career doubles title at the Charleston Open with fellow American Desirae Krawczyk. Partnered with Ukrainian Nadiia Kichenok, she also lost a three set first round doubles match in Melbourne this year.

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