The 2022 Australian Open women’s singles final between world No.1 Ashleigh Barty of Australia and world No.30 Danielle Collins of the United States is scheduled for Saturday’s night session.
Ashleigh Barty vs. Danielle Collins head-to-head
Barty and Collins have faced each other four times so far, with the Australian leading the record 3-1. It’s interesting to note, though, that Collins has faced top-ranked WTA players three times in her career and her sole victory happened against Barty, at the 2021 Adelaide International.
Both players are undefeated this year. Barty’s 10-0 win-loss record also includes the Adelaide International title, where she completed the singles-doubles sweep. Collins is playing her first tournament of the season at Melbourne Park.
Grand Slam experience
The 25-year-old Barty has won two Grand Slam titles (Roland Garros 2019 and Wimbledon 2021) and is the first home representative to reach Australian Open final since 1980, with the last champion coming two years before that. Should she triumph on Saturday, she will join Serena Williams as one of only two active player to win Slams on all three surfaces.
The 28-year-old Collins has made her first Grand Slam final, while her previous best result at a major was her run to the semifinals of the 2019 Australian Open.
Barty’s route to the 2022 Australian Open final
The top-seeded Barty has conceded just 21 games and dropped serve just once so far this fortnight at Melbourne Park. Interestingly, she is facing her fourth American opponent in a row, having dispatched Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys in the previous three rounds.
Collins’ route to the 2022 Australian Open final
Playing her first tournament of the season, the 27th-seeded Collins twice recovered from a set down, against Clara Tauson, the last remaining teenager in the draw, and Elise Mertens. Overall, Collins has spent four-and-a-half hours more on court this fortnight than Barty.
Ranking projections
By advancing to the championship match, Barty is solidifying her No.1 ranking. Next week will be her 113th at the summit.
By reaching the final, Collins is projected to make her Top 10 debut and will replace Sofia Kenin as American No.1. If she goes all the way to the title, she would become the fourth lowest-ranked Australian Open champion (excluding unranked players) in the Open Era.
God, I just hope Shouty Face goes down to the Dimpled Ninja. It`ll be a good day for Oz and an even better day for what, in SW19, we still call Ladies` Tennis.