Danielle Collins had hoped to go out with a bang as she prepares for her exit from tennis and at the Miami Open she did just that.
Ranked 53rd in the world and unseeded in the premier event, the American produced a stunning display by winning seven consecutive matches en route to her first WTA 1000 title. In Saturday’s final she blasted numerous winners past former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina during her 7-5, 6-3, victory. Furthermore, she saved 10 out of 11 break points faced.
Collins has become the lowest-ranked player in history to win the Miami title and will move back into the world’s top 25 on Monday. It is a dream scenario for a player who is set to retire from competitive tennis later this year at the age of 30.
“I have always wanted to win every tournament that I have signed up for, but I do think that because it is my last year I really wanted to try to win a Masters 1000 this year.” The American told reporters.
“That’s really important to me. That’s something that I talked a lot about with everybody close to me. I wanted to make a push to be able to bring out my best tennis.
“I’m so glad that I have been able to figure out some of the physical things I have needed to do to kind of peak at the right time and to feel like I’m ready to go. I certainly did that this tournament, but it has been a goal (to win a WTA 1000). So I got to tick it off the list.”
The triumph occurs after what has been an encouraging start to the season for Collins who has now won 16 out of 23 matches played so far this year. She has also reached the quarter-finals of tournaments in Doha and Austin. Three out of her seven losses were against either Ryabkina or world world No.1 Iga Swiatek.
Despite her results on the Tour, Collins has no intention of making any changes to her retirement plans. She has previously spoken about her desire to start a family and manage her health. The tennis star has suffered from various health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis.
“No, I’m not,” Collins replied when asked if she would reconsider her decision to retire.
“I feel like all of these questions are coming from such a good place because I feel like a lot of people would like to continue seeing me play well.
“But like I said, I have some health challenges, and those health challenges, make things for me away from the court a little more difficult. I hope everyone can respect that. It’s a very emotional and personal thing.”
The former Australian Open finalist is now set to embark on her last clay swing. Her next tournament is scheduled to be the Charleston Open which will begin on Monday. She has been drawn to play Paula Badosa in the first round with the winner then taking on Ons Jabeur.
