Danielle Collins ready for ‘tough battle’ against Elena Rybakina in Miami Open final
Danielle Collins has reached the first WTA 1000 final of her career, with the Floridian speaking about how ‘special’ it feels to find success in her home state.
Collins emphatically beat Ekaterina Alexandrova, 6-3 6-2, in the Miami Open semi-final and spoke about the sentimental value of having her loved ones there watching on.
“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.”
The 30-year-old added, “I followed all of [Alexandrova’s] matches this tournament, and it was so fun watching her. 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.”
Collins has been very open about the fact that this is her final year as a professional tennis player, but could win the biggest title of her career if she is able to overcome Elena Rybakina in the final.
Rybakina came through a much more challenging semi-final match, beating three-time Miami Open champion Victoria Azarenka in a deciding set tie-break.
And Collins spoke about the challenge that facing Rybakina will possess, “We’ve had a lot of tough battles, and that’s what we play for. 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.”
53 – Danielle Collins (#53) has become the second-lowest ranked player to make the final at the Miami Open since the inception of the event in 1985 – only higher ranked than Naomi Osaka in 2022 (#77). Surprise. #MiamiOpen | @MiamiOpen @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/9uNyjLDp26
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) March 29, 2024
Collins will take on last year’s Miami Open runner-up Rybakina in the final tomorrow afternoon.
Inside the baseline…
It has been a phenomenal couple of weeks for Danielle Collins, who has looked so free on the courts in Miami. Collins has always had so much potential, being a former Australian Open finalist, and having this an end date on her career seems to be helping improve her results. However, it will be another step up for Collins against Rybakina, who can take the match out of your hands sometimes when her serve is on.
READ MORE: Danielle Collins reveals ‘reasons behind retirement’ after reaching Miami Open semi-final
Danielle Collins vs Elena Rybakina head-to-head
Although Collins mentioned the win she picked up over Rybakina in San Jose back in 2021, it has been the Kazakhstani who has had the better of the head-to-head ever since:
Collins vs Rybakina: 1-3
- Collins beat Rybakina, 7-6(5) 7-6(4) (San Jose 2021)
- Rybakina beat Collins, 5-7 6-2 6-3 (Adelaide 2023)
- Rybakina beat Collins, 6-2 5-7 6-2 (Australian Open 2023)
- Rybakina beat Collins, 4-6 6-3 6-3 (Abu Dhabi 2024)
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