Danielle Collins breaches 2024 Miami Open to win first WTA 1000 level victory after announcing retirement
The 2024 Miami Open saw the best of Danielle Collins winning her first WTA 1000 level after she announced her retirement.
Graphic: Gasner Delvarin Jr.
Gasner Delvarin Jr. , Writer
March 30, 2024
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — After announcing her retirement at the Australian Open due to endometriosis earlier in the year, Danielle Collins beat Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3 at the 2024 Miami Open Final to capture her first Masters 1000 level event in front of notable tennis legends such as Andre Agassi and Martina Navratilova in the stands witnessing.
"What a dream come true," said Collins. "To have played at the level that I've played consistently over the last two weeks. This has been such a journey for me."
Rank at No. 53, Collins, the 30-year-old winner of the 1000-level tournament, is the lowest-ranked ever to lift the trophy. She is also the second-oldest winner in Miami, after Petra Kvitova, the previous year's champion.
Despite the evident contrast in their rankings and tournament experience, Collins showcased exceptional dominance.
After a loss in the initial set against Bernarda Pera, Collins surged through the tournament draw without relinquishing more than five games in any subsequent match until reaching the final.
During the early stages of the championship match, little distinction was evident between the contenders, with Rybakina typically asserting her dominance with her potent first serve.
However, Collins' dynamic and relentless ball-striking, dominated with her formidable two-handed backhand shots, enabled her to seize control of the neutral exchanges and frequently overpower the experienced Rybakina to take the first set at 7-5.
During the second set, Collins broke Rybakina's serve at 4-4 after she missed a volley into the net, then hit backhand long on break point.
Serving for the match, Collins immediately jumped to a 30-0 lead but fell behind 30-40.
Eventually, Collins secured the victory on the fourth match point with a final score of 7-5, 6-3, securing her third career title and leaving with $1.1 million in prize money.
"It's just been amazing to go out today and to have felt the energy that I felt from the fans, and literally feel like I was playing in front of thousands of my best friends. That was just surreal. I will never forget this day."
The WTA 500 Credit One Charleston Open will be on the way this week till April 7 in South Carolina and will be an opportunity for Collins to continue her success in the Tour.
Danielle Collins | Elena Rybakina | WTA | Tennis | Miami Open 2024 | Gasner Delvarin Jr.