American Danielle Collins Wins Miami Open, Plans to Retire at End of 2024 Season

American tennis player Danielle Collins secured her first WTA 1,000 title of her career by defeating fourth seed Elena Rybakina in straight sets at the Miami Open. The victory marked Collins’ first win over a top five player since October 2022 and her third career title, with her last triumph dating back to 2021.

In a thrilling match that saw Collins emerge victorious with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3, the 30-year-old showcased her determination and skill on the court. Playing in her home state of Florida, Collins expressed her gratitude for the support of the crowd, describing the experience as “something so special” and admitting that it was hard not to get emotional.

Collins’ triumph over Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, also made her only the second unseeded women’s champion in Miami history, following in the footsteps of Kim Clijsters in 2005. Despite a tight opening set and some missed opportunities, Collins maintained her composure and capitalized on key moments to secure the title.

The victory will see Collins rise to a world ranking of 22nd, highlighting her impressive performance at the Miami Open. Additionally, Collins revealed that her decision to retire at the end of the 2024 season is linked to her battle with endometriosis, a condition that has caused her physical pain and required surgery in 2021.

As Collins reflects on her career and looks ahead to the future, her triumph at the Miami Open serves as a testament to her resilience and determination on and off the court. With a bright future ahead, Collins has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the world of tennis with her remarkable achievement.