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After Barty's demolition of American Madison Keys earlier, the
30th ranked Collins produced an equally dominant display to give
former French Open champion Swiatek no chance.
World number one Barty will be the overwhelming favourite on
Saturday as she attempts to become the first local to win the
Australian Open since Chris O'Neil in 1978.
But the 28-year-old Collins, a product of the American college
system and twice an NCAA champion, showed against Swiatek that
she can mix it with the best.
She made a lightning start on Rod Laver Arena, overwhelming
Swiatek with her power and aggression to race into a 4-0 lead.
Seventh seed Swiatek responded to claw back some of the damage
but 28-year-old Collins held firm to close out the set.
It was a repeat show in the second set as a dominant Collins,
who elected not to sit down at changeovers such was her
eagerness to get the job done, again roared 4-0 ahead.
This time there was no counter-attack by Swiatek as Collins,
showing no nerves as her date with destiny loomed, wrapped up
victory on her second match point in 78 minutes.
"It feels amazing. It has been such a journey. It is so many
years of hard work," Collins, who last April required emergency
surgery for endometriosis, said on court.
"It is incredible to be on this stage, especially after all the
health challenges. I couldn't be happier."
On trying to prevent Barty becoming the first Australian to
claim the title for 44 years, Collins sounded undaunted.
"We've had some incredible battles over the years. To play the
world number one in her home country will be spectacular," she
said. "The energy the crowd will bring, whether it's for me or
against me, it will be a incredible."
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar and Toby
Davis)
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