Danielle Collins hails ‘idol’ Serena Williams after following in her footsteps with rare feat
Danielle Collins paid tribute to both Serena Williams and Venus Williams and hailed them as inspirations who showed “anything is possible” after her Charleston Open triumph.
The American star named Serena Williams as her “idol” after her impressive victory saw her achieve a rare feat last accomplished by the tennis legend.
Collins dismantled Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 in the final of the Charleston Open on Sunday to claim her second title in as many weeks to add to her Miami Open win.
The 30-year-old, who will retire after this season, has now won 13 straight matches and lost just two sets during this stunning run that has seen her claim titles on two different surfaces.
READ MORE: Danielle Collins set for another huge rankings leap after crushing Charleston Open win
No stopping DANIMAL
Danielle Collins races to her fourth career title and extends her match win streak to 13!#CharlestonOpen pic.twitter.com/tcHTNFYEEt
— wta (@WTA) April 7, 2024
Collins, who has climbed to 15th in the WTA Rankings after winning the WTA 500 tournament played on green clay, had won the biggest title of her career on hard courts in Miami last month. The 2022 Australian Open finalist had won two WTA titles in her career prior to Miami.
The American is the first player since Serena Williams to win Miami and Charleston in the same year, who accomplished the tough feat in 2008 and 2013.
In an interview with Tennis Channel, Collins spoke about her admiration for the Williams sisters and expressed her appreciation for the support she has received from the legendary duo.
“Growing up, Serena was my idol. I think the Williams sisters really taught all of us: doesn’t matter where you come from; doesn’t matter your background; what you look like; how much money your parents have — if you set your mind to something and work your tail off, anything is possible,” said the American.
“And I think I resonated with their story a little bit too, my Dad was my coach, we were at the public parks and my parents were driving me all around and working double, triple shifts just so that they could support my dream.
“So, having those two as idols and people to look up to, I definitely feel like sometimes the way I try to hit my shots definitely is a by-product of watching so much of Venus and Serena play. And to have their support and for them be so vocal, I feel l so grateful.
“They’re amazing, on and off the court. I love them so much and every time they say something nice about me I totally blush, I just kinda fangirl a little bit, I gotta admit. Yeah, if you guys are watching this, I love you guys, so thank you.”
Collins also shared her wish to have a karaoke night with Serena Williams: “I’m still really hoping, because I love karaoke and I know Serena loves karaoke, and I’m just dying for a karaoke night at some point with Serena.
“And I really wanna make that happen in the future, we both live in Florida, so I’m really hoping we’re gonna get a karaoke night one of these days.”
READ MORE: Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
