Why going to college was crucial for me. DANIELLE COLLINS

Danielle Collins is the big surprise of this year’s Australian Open.

Ranked no.35, the American is in the Australian Open main draw for the first time in her career, and she got to a sensational semifinal. Danielle impressed after trashing Caroline Garcia 6-3 6-2 and Angelique Kerber 6-0 6-2 (!!!) in the 3rd and 4th round.

The American reflects of her incredible ascent and the fact that it happened a bit “late” (she is already 25) to comment

“I think not being a child prodigy, not being a superstar at a young age certainly humbled me, made me in a way work harder for things.

I think I was talented and athletic, but maybe not to the level that other players were at, like, 14, 15, 16. I went a different route. I wasn’t really sure if I could make it playing professional tennis when I was that age.

Going to college was really crucial for me and my development. I think it’s kind of made me hungrier in some ways, like not having that, ‘Oh, I’ve always been really amazing at tennis.’ It wasn’t always like that.”

[easy-social-share buttons="facebook" sharebtn_style="button" sharebtn_icon="plus" counters=0 style="button" message="yes" template="6" size="xxl" fullwidth="no" point_type="simple" facebook_text="Share if you like Danielle Collins"]

Collins will face Petra Kvitova in the semifinal. They played only once, and that was a few weeks ago when Petra defeated her 6-7 (6) 7-6 (6) 6-3. This is going to be an interesting one.