MDP Live - Danielle Rose Collins says she will go home proud after cornering Ashleigh Barty in the first Grand Slam final of her career at the 2022 Australian Open.
The 27th seed was a calculated dark horse against world number 1 Barty as she snatched a 5-1 lead in the second set and looked determined to force the decider.
However, Australian Barty fought hard to get back on her feet and snatched four games in a row before forcing a tiebreak and picking up a straight sets win over the 28-year-old in the Australian Open final.
"Not the result I wanted of course, but I did my best. I did all the things I could do. I pushed to the limit and I gave myself a chance towards the end of the game," said Rose Collins.
"Unfortunately the game didn't go my way, but I did everything I could, and in the end, that's what you can do."
Despite losing the Australian Open final, the American will be breaking into the top 10 for the first time in her career when the new rankings are released next week.
The 27th seed's run at the Australian Open this season marks a remarkable turning point since she underwent surgery for endometriosis last year. After that, she won two Grand Slam titles and reached the Grand Slam final for the first time in her career. Interestingly, he achieved so much without a coach.
“I really train myself. I think I played with the right game plan. I did everything I could, but unfortunately some things just didn't work out for me," said Rose Collins.
"It's really difficult technically if you're not in good shape physically for you to do it."
"This time my body didn't always agree with me and I had to struggle a bit with my body, which is to be expected when you go this far in the tournament."
“I think my overall rating is pretty good. I think there are some areas I need to improve. I can certainly walk proud without a coach and do it alone.”
