“It’s taken a lot to get here” Danielle Collins credits her surgery after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2022 Australian Open
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Danielle Collins
World No. 30 and the 27th seed Danielle Collins defeated the 19th seed, Elise Mertens, to enter the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2022 Australian Open. The American won the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in 2 hours and 51 minutes to reach the quarter-finals at the Slam for the second time having reached the semi-finals earlier in 2019.
Collins narrowly edged out Mertens winning the match with 110 points while the Belgian had 104 points. As usual, it was a hot day on the Rod Laver Arena in the morning and along with the challenge of each other the players battled the conditions as well and it was a tough victory for Collins who is the 3rd American in the quarter-finals.
“Yes, I am super excited you know, the last couple of years I made the semi-finals, the second round at so to be back in the quarters means a lot. It’s taken a lot to get into the quarters, some tough battles and some tough opponents so yeah I am lucky to be through.
“I feel pretty good right now, just had an ice bath. Usually, I feel pretty good after that so at the moment looking forward to getting dinner and getting some recovery tomorrow and try to come out and be ready for Wednesday and take care of the body as much as I need to,” said Collins in her press conference.
“I appreciate her a lot”: Danielle Collins on quarter-final opponent Alize Cornet
Collins had to undergo an endometriosis surgery that has now allowed her consistent training and workout schedule and the American credited her improved performances to the surgery that had been holding her back in the last few years.
“Before my surgery and before I was on proper medication I was always changing my training around my cycle because of how painful my periods were and things are being more consistent, I’m able to train more consistently and not have such drastic changes especially in the week of my cycle so it’s been a lot more consistency throughout the year.
“I am able to get through workouts and training sessions and to not have to deal with injuries that I was dealing with partly because of the endo. I’m just relieved the surgery went well for me and now I’m able to perform more consistently from a physical standpoint. It also helps me mentally knowing that it is giving me a lot of confidence on the court,” added Collins further.
As she now prepares to take on Alize Cornet in the quarter-finals after the French veteran took down former finalist Simona Halep in another gruelling battle on Rod Laver Arena today, Collins discussed her match with Cornet which will be the first-ever meeting between the duo.
“She’s an incredible player and in-person for our sport. I think her hard work and tenacity really comes out every time she plays and steps on the court and she’s always someone that’s very fun to watch, someone that’s very pleasant to see on a daily basis in the passing and locker room. I appreciate her a lot,” concluded Collins.
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Sarthak Shitole
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