The USA's Danielle Collins reached the first Grand Slam final of her career after sinking Iga Swiatek in straight sets during their Australian Open semi-final on Thursday.
Collins raced into a 3-0 lead in the first set before Poland's Swiatek started to find her stride, but the American still raced to a 6-4 win before a dominant showing in the second set.
Serving seven aces and winning six of her 10 break points on the day, Collins marched to a 6-4 6-1 win at the Rod Laver Arena and now prepares to meet world number one and home favourite Ashleigh Barty for a shot at glory.
"It feels amazing, it's been such a journey, and it doesn't happen overnight, so many hours at an early age on court," Collins said during her on-court interview. "It's incredible to be on this stage and especially with the health challenges I've had. I'm so grateful, I couldn't be happier.
"I have certainly added a little more variety to my game over the last couple of years, but this is my Plan A. I wanted to execute this game plan as best as I could, and it was working really well for me.
"For whatever reason in this tournament this clock seems to be going faster, and I don't really feel like I have time to sit down! I've been standing up when I sleep at night!"
Looking ahead to Saturday's final with Barty, Collins responded: "To play against the number one player in the world in her home country is going to be really special. It's so good to have everyone back after COVID and I can't wait to hopefully have a great match with Ash."
Earlier on Thursday, Barty booked her place in the final by easing to a 6-1 6-3 win over Collins's compatriot Madison Keys, and the two players are meeting for the first time since Collins won in straight sets during the 2021 Adelaide International last February.
