There is no doubt that Danielle Collins is one of the most fierce competitors on the WTA Tour.
The American star, who is retiring at the end of this season, is no stranger to a fist pump and a ‘come on’ when in battle, but who isn’t?
Collins was embroiled in controversy at the Olympics during her clash with Iga Swiatek last month.
Drama ensued after Collins was forced to retire through injury, later claiming that the world number one’s concern for her wellbeing was ‘fake’.
Videos then emerged on social media following the match which showed Swiatek holding her racket up on multiple occasions in various WTA matches – as well as her clash with Collins – just before her opponent was about to serve.
What did Danielle Collins say about the situation?
Tennis matches often turn into heated affairs, with both competitors resorting to certain tactics in an attempt to swing the match in their favour.
This can often result in disputes and arguments between the players, a ‘misconception’ that Danielle Collins has alluded to.
“One of the things I am most proud of during my time on tour, with the personality that I have on the court, is how gritty I am and how competitive I am,” Collins told the ‘Advantage Connors’ podcast.
“I have a lot of really close friendships which I think will last for a lifetime, I will give you a good example. We were at the Olympics and me and Des [Desirae Krawczyk] were playing a practice set of doubles against Jess [Pegula] and Coco [Gauff].
“We were playing singles before then. Des and I were getting super excited as we were winning points and it was singles and we were loud and obnoxious. It was getting pretty competitive and we go off court and we are all friends.
“That’s how it is in these matches. We get fired up, say things and then walk off the court and we are friends.
“There is a huge misconception on tour that the women aren’t as nice to each other off the court. They don’t get together and hang out like the guys – I think that’s a huge misconception.
“I do think there may have been some truth to that in previous years but the group of women we have on tour in general are pretty cool people. Of course, there are a handful that struggle a bit with social dynamics, which I think is normal in a lot of ways, because when you are playing an individual sport and are in a bubble how do you develop those skills?”
Draws made for the US Open
With the Paris Olympics now in the past, attentions turn to the upcoming US Open, which promises to serve up a gripping fortnight of action.
Aryna Sabalenka appears to be peaking at just the right time to avenge the loss she suffered in last year’s final to Coco Gauff.
However, it is not all doom and gloom for the Americans as Gauff struggles to pick up momentum.
Collins and Emma Navarro are eager to impress on the big stage after their red-hot seasons so far and are primed to make deep runs in New York.
- READ MORE: The full US Open draw
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