Danielle Collins savouring home final in front of friends, family and her dog
Danielle Collins is looking forward to facing Elena Rybakina in the Miami Open final and is savouring the run in the biggest event hosted by her home state.
Collins has decided that 2024 will be her last WTA Tour season, which has to add weight to her maiden run to a WTA 1000 event.
She says that it has been a special experience given that she has been able to perform in front of her loved ones including her dog Mr Q.
“This feels like a really big accomplishment,” said Collins. “I think all of us want to make finals of 1000-level tournaments. These are our biggest tournaments of the year, aside from the Grand Slams.
“This is just so special. I can’t stress it enough about being in my home state and having my dog here, friends, family. It’s really special. I’ve had a couple of good years here, but this is definitely the most memorable.”
Collins said that she felt really bucked up by the presence of her dog calling Mr Q her son.
“Yeah, I have never made a final of a tournament having my dog here. That has had a positive impact, for sure. I’m learning that my weeks are better with Mr. Q. He’s my son.
“Having my son here means a lot. It’s also different. I think some of the matches that I have played, I have played very efficient, I haven’t spent a lot of time on court. I have played similar strategies throughout the tournament against similar types of opponents, I would say.”
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Collins trails Rybakina 1-3 in their head-to-head on the WTA Tour and she has every expectation of another tough match against the world No 4.
“We’ve had a lot of tough battles, and that’s what we play for,” Collins said.
“We want to have these matches. I think I actually did get a win on her in San Jose a while ago.
“Fingers crossed, I’ll have to do my homework. She’s been playing fantastic tennis, and another big hitter. So, I have to be ready.”
Collins revealed that she had semi-final opponent Ekaterina Alexandrova well-scouted ahead of their clash.
“I followed all of [Alexandrova’s] matches this tournament, and it was so fun watching her,” Collins said.
“We have a similar game style, so it’s tricky when it’s like that. Because of that, I had to concentrate harder, had to react faster, and it really forced me to play at my highest level.”