Collins extends winning streak to 12, makes Charleston final

American Danielle Collins defeated Greek Maria Sakkari, the No 3 seed, 6-3, 6-3 to move into the final of the Charleston Open at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Saturday evening.

The victory is Collins’ 12th in a row after winning the WTA 1000 in Miami last weekend, with ‘Danimal’, who announced earlier this year that she’d be retiring in 2024, ending her tennis career in style.

Collins, ranked No 22, will face Russian Daria Kasatkina, the No 4 seed, next.

“Another warrior. I’ve gotten to know Dasha and her game pretty well,” said Collins about the upcoming final against Kasatkina. “A fantastic competitor. Always someone I enjoy battling against. Whether it’s a win or a loss… someone I just respect so much.”

The American won against Spaniard Paula Badosa (6-1, 6-4), Tunisian Ons Jabeur, the second seed (6-3, 1-6, 6-3), Sloane Stephens (6-2, 6-2) and Belgian Elise Mertens, the No 11 seed (6-3, 6-4) ahead of her victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Sakkari, ranked No 7, won against Bulgarian Viktoriya Tomova (6-3, 6-3), Australian lucky loser Astra Sharma (6-4, 6-1) and Russian Veronika Kudermetova, the No 9 seed (6-2, 6-4).

Charleston WTA 500, other semi-final result (Family Circle Tennis Center, clay, USD 922.573):

• Daria Kasatkina beat Jessica Pegula (1): 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (5)