Coco Gauff shares her thoughts on compatriot and World number 11 Danielle Collins.
The 30-year-old became one of the most talked-about tennis players in 2024, given her outspoken personality and a 15-match wins streak that saw her win the Miami and Charleston Open titles.
She also announced her decision to retire at the end of the season almost a year in advance which has since been reversed.
Tennis fans have plenty to say about Danielle Collins, and now Coco Gauff has opened up on her relationship with her USA teammate.
What is Coco Gauff’s honest opinion of Danielle Collins?
Collins has spoken highly of Gauff in the past, and now the World number there has done the same for her.
Gauff formed a stronger bond with the 31-year-old when they represented Team USA at the United Cup, a tournament they went on to win.
Now at the Australian Open, the 2023 US Open winner looked back on her time at the United Cup and gave her honest opinion on Collins.
“I think for me, being on the team, Danielle was just so fun, and brought the best energy,” Gauff told reporters in Melbourne. “She was sick like the first week. Once that was all cleared up, she brought, like, great energy on the bench.
“She’s been fun. I will say, I think she’s, I don’t know, maybe she’s more relaxed now. I obviously knew her, just because of Danielle Collins, but I didn’t know her well.
“She always struck me as someone that maybe didn’t like to talk as much. When I got to know her, I realized it was quite the opposite.
“I think she’s a nice person. I always say Danielle is going to be Danielle. There’s no one changing her. She doesn’t care either. That’s something I can respect when someone knows who they are. On the bench she brought the best energy. She was super nice.”
Coco Gauff and Danielle Collins aiming for Australian Open glory
Gauff and Collins are both competing at the 2025 Australian Open aiming to win the title for the first time.
Gauff is one of the favourites for the event and she is into the third round after beating Britain’s Jodie Burrage in round two.
Gauff will face Leylah Fernandez in round three, just over two weeks after they met for the first time at the United Cup. Collins on the other hand, won her first match of 2025 after beating Daria Snigur 7-6(4), 6-3.
The 10th seed now faces the challenge of playing an Australian as she will take on Destanee Aiava, who will have the home crowd cheering her on.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
