Qualifier, Danielle Rose Collins Advances to Final

MACON, Ga. -- Two-time NCAA singles champ, Danielle Rose Collins, is finding her way in the professional ranks. This summer, the University of Virginia product played in the main draw at the U.S. Open, won the USTA 25K in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and now has advanced to the singles final at the 2016 W.L. Amos Sr. Tennis Classic at Mercer University's LeRoy Peddy Tennis Center.

In the first semifinal, Collins used an assortment of punishing groundstrokes to take out the Macon defending champ, Rebecca Peterson of Sweden. Peterson faltered on her serve, double-faulting four times and only winning 42% of her second serve points. The Virginia Cavalier kept the ball low over the net forcing Peterson to pop the ball up just enough for Collins to take big cuts.

Collins is more than pleased with the way she is playing as the year wraps up and with the 6-2, 6-0 victory.

"I got off to a good start and was staying positive. I was serving well and that always helps. I'm feeling good and got in a good groove this match."

22-year old Collins also said that the courts at Mercer University are contributing to her success.

"Along with the weather, the courts are awesome and they play to my game."

Collins advances to take on 17-year old Kayla Day. Day, the reigning U.S. Open junior champions was playing a former U.S. Open junior champion, Grace Min, in her semifinal.

Day showed no effect of her three-hour plus match on Friday as she moved Min from side-to-side and even brought Min into the net to set up her passing shots to post a 6-2, 7-5 win in 86 degree heat. Day hit five aces in the match including a crucial ace in the final game to close out Min.

Sunday's final in Macon will be the first meeting between Collins and Day.

On Sunday, the doubles final will start at noon, followed by the singles final.

Now in its fourth year, the W.L. Amos Sr. Tennis Classic, a USTA Pro Circuit 50K event, brings a 32 player singles draw and 16 doubles teams to Macon with a 32 player qualifying draw the first weekend. It's eight days of professional tennis and the longest running professional women's tennis tournament in the state of Georgia.

As in the past, players come to Macon to play for $50,000 in prize money, valuable WTA ranking points and a spot in the first major of 2017, the Australian Open.

20 former "Classic" players were in the main draw at the U.S. Open in New York, last month.

Saturday's Semifinal Results:
Danielle Rose COLLINS (USA) d. Rebecca PETERSON (SWE) [3] 6-2 6-0
Kayla DAY (USA) d. Grace MIN (USA) [4] 6-2 7-5

About the Leroy Peddy Tennis Center
The LeRoy Peddy Tennis Center is the home for Mercer University men's and women's tennis. The facility is located just inside the South campus entrance, nestled among its pine tree lined western perimeter and adjacent to MU's softball stadium and practice fields. The Center features a total of eight courts, aligned in a picturesque bi-level configuration (four courts each on the upper and lower tiers). The lighted venue also has ample parking and seating for fans on either level and a park-like walkway for access between the two sections.

About the USTA Pro Circuit
With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. In celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2014, the USTA Pro Circuit provides players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. John Isner, Maria Sharapova, Sam Querrey, Sloane Stephens, Mardy Fish, Victoria Azarenka and Andy Murray are among today's top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.

The W.L. Amos Sr. Foundation
The W.L. Amos Sr. Foundation is the title sponsor of the tournament

Middle Georgia Tennis Foundation
The mission of the Middle Georgia Tennis Foundation is to raise funds to support tennis programs, especially youth programs in Middle Georgia.

For more information:
On-site PR contact: Rick Limpert (209) 920-7425 or email: Rick.Limpert@gmail.com
Website: www.ustamaconclassic.com
Twitter: @USTAMacon50K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WL-Amos-Sr-Tennis-Classic

Mercer University Athletics

Qualifier, Danielle Rose Collins Advances to Final

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