The Charleston Open final is closer than ever, as the semifinals are just about to begin. The second semifinal bids the Miami Open champion Danielle Collins and Maria Sakkari. Both players have surprised the tennis world this year with their performances. We are set to witness a great clash, as both players are going to go all out to improve their 2024 seasons.

Collins is on her way out of tennis as she announced her retirement earlier this year. The fire in her heart roared wildly following the announcement, and it burned just as bright as she got ready for the semifinal.

Danielle Collins vs Maria Sakkari: Preview

Collins surprised the tennis world by announcing her retirement in the Australian Open. Since then, she has stumbled here and there, with some of her best performances coming in the Qatar Open and the Miami Open. She reached the quarterfinal in Qatar and managed to win her first-ever Master’s championship in Miami, beating Elena Rybakina in the final. Charleston has proved well for the player in her last season as well.

She started the tournament with a breadstick and has only lost a set so far against the defending champion, Ons Jabeur, who was sent home packing. She went on to beat Elise Mertens and Sloane Stephens back-to-back, to now face Sakkari once again.

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Sakkari had a rather turbulent start to the season. Until the Indian Wells Masters, she could not manage to go beyond the second round of any tournament. She lost in the second round of the Australian Open and Dubai and in the first round of Abu Dhabi and Qatar. The Greek player caught a major break in the Indian Wells, as she ran to the final, but she lost 4-6, 0-6, to Iga Swiatek, ending her hopes.

In Miami, she went to the quarterfinal, only to lose to eventual finalist Elena Rybakina. In Charleston, Sakkari beat all her opponents in straight sets, with her best win coming against Astra Sharma in the second round, where she won 6-4, 6-1. Now, she will face the Miami Open champion, hoping to win once again.

Collins vs Sakkari: Head-to-Head

Maria Sakkari and Danielle Collins have traded blows three times against each other. Their first clash took place in the 2018 San Jose Open, where Sakkari managed to be the victor and play in the final. The win wasn’t easy for her as Collins pushed her to three sets, only to lose 6-3, 7-5, 6-2. They would then play four years later in the Guadalajara Open, where Sakkari would win once again in three sets, 5-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Collins would have her revenge in the 2023 Montreal Open, where she won the bout in two sets, 6-4, 6-2. It is clear that Sakkari has the edge over Collins in outdoor hardcourts. However, they have never played against each other on the clay court, which means both are in for a battle of wits as well.

Prediction: Collins to be the victor 

Collins is currently on a winning streak of 11 matches, and the American team has controlled the majority of the matches during this period. She has been the most in-form player on the circuit during the last three to four weeks. Her imposing presence on the baseline, remarkable anticipation from the back of the court, and rapid decision-making abilities will provide a big challenge for Sakkari during their match.

The Charleston crowd should expect a fierce exchange of shots between the two. Sakkari has the skills to give a stiff challenge and even edge Collins in this tie, but the American appears to be playing at a higher level at the moment. She might just make it through to the finals.

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