Danielle Collins reveals ‘idol’ after matching Serena Williams feat
Danielle Collins has extended her winning streak to 13 matches, becoming the first woman to win the Miami Open and Charleston Open back-to-back since Serena Williams in 2013.
Collins beat former champion Daria Kasatkina, 6-2 6-1, in the Charleston final to win the fourth singles title of her career.
The American has won 26 of her last 27 sets, and spoke about the change in mentality that has enabled herself to do so, “I think one of my biggest areas of improvement over the course of the last few weeks has been my concentration and focus and really being locked into my process.
“These women that I’m playing against, they’re the best in the world, and it’s — sometimes things go your way and then sometimes things don’t go your way, and you have to be open to that when those times do happen.”
Collins added, “I’m really looking forward to getting home and getting some time to spend where I don’t think about tennis, and then hopefully when Madrid comes around I am back in ‘Danimal’ mode. Then it’s back to reality. So it’s like spring break for me. I feel like a kid at spring break.”
Won Miami and Charleston back-to-back ????
Serena Williams (2013/2008) ???? Danielle Collins (2024) pic.twitter.com/qwplbO7tet
— wta (@WTA) April 7, 2024
After the final, Collins was interviewed at the Tennis Channel desk and explained how much she looks up to and relates to the Williams’ sisters.
“Growing up, Serena was my idol,” revealed Collins. “I think the Williams sisters taught all of us it doesn’t matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter what you look like, your background, or how much money your parents have. If you set your mind to something and work your tail off, anything is possible. I resonated with their story.
“My dad was my coach. We were at public parks. My parents were driving me all around and working double, triple shifts just so they could support my dream. Having those two as idols and people to look up too.. I definitely feel like sometimes the way I try to hit my shots is a byproduct of watching Venus [Williams] and Serena play.”
After winning the Miami Open title last week, Serena revealed how happy she was for Collins, and the 30-year-old has revealed how much this support means to her.
“To have their support and for them to be so vocal.. I feel so grateful. They’re amazing on and off the court,” explained the world No.15. “Every time they say something nice about me I just totally blush. I fangirl a little bit. I gotta admit. If you guys are watching this, I love you guys. So thank you.”
Collins is now up to No.4 in the race to the WTA Finals, in what is set to be the final year of her professional tennis career.
Inside the baseline…
Danielle Collins has been absolutely incredible these past three weeks, winning the two biggest titles of her career in Miami and Charleston. To achieve the feat last done by your idol, Serena Williams, must be incredible and it is so nice to see the support that the two compatriots show eachother. Although the sunshine double is more acclaimed, in some ways winning Miami and Charleston back-to-back is more impressive due to the quick surface change from hard courts to clay.
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