Adelaide International
Collins collapses in Adelaide upset
2022 Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins became the first major upset victim at the Adelaide International on Tuesday, going down 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 to Ons Jabeur in the first round.
The American fourth seed was playing her first match of the season, with the rust in her game showing.
Jabeur, a three-time runner-up at the majors, was back for only a second week after sitting out the autumn with a shoulder injury which at least gave her time at home.
The wildcard Tunisian ranked 40th counted her serve as her biggest weapon in the move into the second round. Jabeur reached the Brisbane quarter-finals last week as her injury comeback exceeds expectations.
Collins had been due to retire at the end of last season, but shelved that plan to stay in the WTA mix. She last played in the circuit in September.
“It saved me a lot, this was a really good match for me. I want to continue playing this way,” Jabeur said of her forehand.
“After being injured, I was not expecting to win many matches, But time off helped me physically and mentally, I was a bit tired from years of tennis.”