American tennis player Danielle Collins achieved a significant milestone in her career by clinching the WTA 1000 Miami Open title, defeating No.4 seed Elena Rybakina with a score of 7-5, 6-3.
In a gripping match lasting 2 hours and 2 minutes, both players displayed remarkable power hitting. Despite the tough competition, the 30-year-old Collins emerged victorious, securing her third WTA singles title, her first-ever WTA 1000 title, and her first championship since 2021.
According to reports from the WTA, Collins has been on a winning streak, triumphing in 17 out of her last 21 matches. As a result of her victory on Saturday night, she will climb to World No. 22 in the rankings next week.
Collins's achievement also marked a significant moment in American tennis history, as she became the first American woman to claim the Miami Open title since Sloane Stephens in 2018. She now joins the esteemed company of Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Stephens as the sixth American woman to win the prestigious tournament.
Despite her retirement plans at the end of the season due to off-court health issues, Collins has not specified a date for her farewell from professional tennis and intends to compete at least until the US Open.
Reflecting on her victory, Collins expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the fans and described the experience as surreal. She emphasized the significance of winning her first WTA 1000 title at the age of 30, highlighting the uniqueness of her journey in comparison to other players.
Collins disclosed that winning a WTA 1000 title was a goal she had set for her final season in professional tennis. She attributed her success in the tournament to her mindset of cherishing every moment on the court, knowing that these events mark her final appearances as a professional player.
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