After a thrilling tournament so far, we are fast approaching the conclusion of the first Major of the year. Both Iga Swiatek and Danielle Collins will have high hopes of booking their place in the final. But will it be a second Major final for 2020 French Open champion Swiatek or a first for the USA’s Collins?
Australian Open Women’s Semifinal Prediction
Iga Swiatek vs Danielle Collins
Jim: Swiatek has experience on her side after her run to the title at Roland Garros, but she has looked a little less convincing so far and had to battle back after losing the first set to both Sorana Cirstea and Kaia Kanepi. It rather feels that if she makes a similarly slow start, Collins will punish her. Of course, this is rarefied air and Collins relative lack of experience has to be taken into account. But she has been in an Australian Open semifinal before and I like her chances of going at least one better than she did in 2019.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Damian: It’s been a very pleasant draw for Swiatek at this year’s Australian Open, which doesn’t mean it’s been easy. Her best match probably came in the third round against Daria Kasatkina and the Pole will need that level again to get through Collins. The American has probably looked better in this event so far, playing her usual brand of power-hitting tennis with great efficiency. Swiatek is so much more versatile though and mixes up attacking capabilities with gradually improving movement in defense. She’ll need to step up but anytime a question has been asked to her at the 2022 Australian Open, she managed to answer it. Perhaps she can keep doing just that.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Yesh: Swiatek has won a Grand Slam before, but she looks plenty nervous in the later rounds in Australia. Her form is good, but she has struggled at times, including a battle against Kaia Kanepi in the quarterfinals. Danielle Collins, meanwhile, is in the form of her life, and her solid power game should upset the Pole. I expect the American to be a Grand Slam finalist at this event.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Jack: Collins has been a bit of a sleeping giant. With a hard-court record last year worthy of the top-10, this is one of the few underdog stories in women’s tennis we maybe should have seen coming. If we consider Collins to be playing above her ranking, it’s worth keeping in mind Swiatek’s poor record against top-10 players on a hard-court (1-4). The Pole has shown an impressive ability to dig in so far in Melbourne, one she didn’t have in every match she played in 2021. Despite the match-up being tough, I think her new-found tenacity will get her over the line.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
