MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Danielle Collins gained a battle of attrition in scorching warmth to overhaul Elise Mertens 4-6 6-4 6-4 and ebook her second quarter-final on the Australian Open on Monday.
In a gruelling clash of former semi-finalists, the American twenty seventh seed snatched the win with a barrage of energy hitting as Mertens served to keep within the match.
Belgian Mertens saved two match factors, the second with a gutsy second serve, however then surrendered meekly on the third with a double-fault.
Collins will play the winner of Simona Halep and Alize Cornet for a spot within the semi-finals.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
