Danielle Collins has shared what she believes some tennis fans do not understand about her.
The American is set to retire at the end of the season and she is certainly making the most of her final year on tour.
She is in scintillating form after winning 18 of her last 19 matches and claimed the Miami and Charleston titles in the process.
But in addition to her electrifying tennis, Collins is known for her fiery and competitive nature on court and she is also not afraid to speak her mind.
As a result, she feels this has made her a polarising figure among fans of the game.
Why does Danielle Collins think she is misunderstood and can offend people?
During an appearance on Andy Roddick’s ‘Served’ podcast, Collins was very clear on why she may not be received well by some sections of the tennis fanbase.
“I feel like I’m totally opposite on the court as opposed to away from it. I mean, a lot of times when I’m away from the court I’m like ‘Wow I really don’t know how I’m cut out to do this,’ because I think sometimes I’m too laid back,” she told the 2003 US Open winner.
“But then when I get on the court I really channel the physicality and the emotional energy that I need to play with, and I think it takes a lot of people by surprise.
“I’m definitely not like a stereotypical tennis personality, especially not on the women’s side, and certainly not miss goody two shoes. And nor do I try to be that.
“I have a big personality. Sometimes for people watching they’re very offended. They just don’t understand me.”
An example of Collins’ big personality was on show at the Madrid Open when she called out a spectator who was heckling her.
With the 30-year-old a set down against Jaqueline Cristian and the score locked 1-1 in the second frame, Collins snapped and told the fan: “You come out here and play, and you do what I do, OK? Have a little more respect.”
It was met with cheers from the other fans in attendance and Collins went on to turn the match round and win 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Who is Danielle Collins playing next?
Collins is in action at the Italian Open where she will take on Victoria Azarenka for a spot in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
This match will mark the Miami champion’s first at this stage of the clay court event and her third meeting with former World Number One.
They first met in the 2018 San Jose quarter-finals which Collins won after the Belarusian was forced to retire due to injury.
They met in Acapulco the following year and this time it was Azarenka who came out on top and lost just three games in the process. After going to three sets in each of her matches in Madrid, Collins has yet to drop a set at the Foro Italico.
Azarenka on the other hand, came through two tight battles to begin her campaign, but she built more momentum after dispatching fifth seed Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-1 in round four.
This is exactly the sort of result she needed heading into a battle against the rampant Collins.
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