Danielle Collins aiming for Top 5 ranking as Miami Open campaign picks up

WATCH: Collins is playing only her second tournament since roaring into the Australian Open final in January.

Aussie Open finalist Danielle Collins is aiming for a Top 5 ranking, but like the rest of her career, she's taking it step by step.

The 28-year-old Collins, who defeated Iga Swiatek in the semifinals of Melbourne before falling to the just-retired No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, has won her opener this week at the Miami Open—her home tournament.

"I try to create my goals and give myself little baby steps. I also have long-term goals, things that I would like to achieve," said Collins, who is ranked No. 11. "I try to just take it one step at a time. I wanted to get into the top 20. I fell a little bit short, which was fine. I broke into the Top 20 this year. Even better, I got into the Top 10 for a hot second.

"I just try to make little baby steps along the way and work at it. It takes a lot. I mean, I think now to get into the Top 5 I'm going to have to have some even better performances, even more consistent results. We'll see if I can make it happen. I have some really great opportunities moving forward before Wimbledon."

Collins worked her way up through the college ranks and then began playing on the WTA Tour, moving up more than 120 spots to hit the Top 35 during 2018—helped by a run to the Miami Open semifinals highlighted by a win over Venus Williams—and has been a consistent presence in the Top 30 except for a layoff due to surgery in 2020.

I just try to make little baby steps along the way and work at it. It takes a lot. I mean, I think now to get into the Top 5 I'm going to have to have some even better performances, even more consistent results. We'll see if I can make it happen. Danielle Collins

Following Miami, she's scheduled to play Billie Jean King Cup between the U.S. and Ukraine in Asheville, North Carolina, and forecasts an intense tie with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the background.

"I think it's going to be an emotional battle for us as we really feel for them,” said Collins, who is slated to compete alongside Sloane Stephens and Jessica Pegula. “Can't imagine what they're going through, personally. Looking forward to going out and representing my country, but also really acknowledging everything that the Ukrainian players have been dealing with over the last couple weeks.

"I can't imagine doing what they're doing right now, competing, also thinking about their families at home, having family members, brothers, husbands, fathers, that are probably having to go out and battle every day.

"Yeah, just going to try to embrace the competitive side as much as possible, but it's definitely going to be an emotional competition.”

As the ninth seed at Miami, Collins scored a three-set win over Anna Bondar to kick off the week, and is into the fourth round after a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Vera Zvonareva on Saturday.