If Danielle Collins had let her down less than 72 hours after winning the biggest trophy of her career, it would have been quite understandable. However, the feisty American proved once more that she is not one to be easily forgiven.
At the Credit One Charleston Open on Tuesday afternoon, the recently crowned Miami Open champion easily defeated Paula Badosa, 6-1, 6-4. Ons Jabeur, the No. 2 seed, will face her on Wednesday in an intriguing second-round encounter.
Collins remarked, “It’s not easy” on the switch to clay. “Sunday, I did the five-hour drive back to my hometown, got to sleep in my own bed. Flew in here on Monday.
“Just getting the clay under my feet. I wasn’t going to miss this tournament, my last season.”
Collins, 30, has said that she would retire from tennis at the end of the current season, and she appears intent on leaving a lasting impression.
Collins said to reporters, “So, yeah,” “I’ve been busy.”
It was yet another letdown for Badosa, who is currently ranked 5-7. Her spinal stress fracture of the L4 vertebrae caused her to miss the last six months of 2023. She also had to cope with ailments to her adductor and calves.
Against Badosa, Collins had six break opportunities, of which he converted five.
This was an unseeded player versus player encounter in the first round, which may surprise you given their pasts. Collins made over a million dollars from Miami and soared to the No. 22 spot in the rankings. Badosa was the second-ranked player in the world two years ago following a run that included a participation in the quarterfinals here.
Collins was more proficient right away, taking just 29 minutes to win the first set and the first four games. Collins struck a scorching backhand winner down the line when Badosa served at 0-3. Collins’ first serve was at 118 mph. Collins had perfect timing, even with the switch from hard courts to clay.
Badosa eventually settled into a groove and made her way back into the second set. She had a break point to tie the match at four all, but Collins eventually made an escape with a well-placed backhand winner into the open court.
A strange incident occurred when a waiter passed out while Badosa was serving customers from 3 to 5. To thunderous cheers, the linesperson was taken off a stretcher and given medical attention. There was a long pause before play started again. Collins sealed the deal with an outside unreturnable serve.
Regarding the medical hold-up, Collins remarked, “Everything that happened, my heart broke in half.” “I almost started crying. Had to reset. Looks like he’s going to be OK, that’s the main thing.”
Collins is making her third trip at Charleston; in 2019, she made it to the quarterfinals. Furthermore, even though clay hasn’t always been her ideal surface, it doesn’t appear to matter at this time.
Collins is currently experiencing the present and riding the seemingly never-ending wave.
Alison Riske-Amritaj, a friend and former player, interrupted her news conference. Collins expressed regret for being away on her husband’s birthday. Later on, she was still going strong with Coco Vandeweghe, a former opponent and friend.
Collins remarked, “I mean, I’d rather go out with a bang than the other way.” “I know everybody has a different way of ending their professional career, and for me I want to go out playing my best tennis.”
“It’s amazing, the encouragement that I’ve been getting, and how many people want to keep seeing me play. But, I think, yeah, it’s time for me to peace out.”
