Danielle Collins Clinches Emotional Victory at Miami Open in Farewell Season

Danielle Collins had a fantastic week at the Miami Open, achieving one of her career's greatest victories and fulfilling a major goal before she retires at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old American, who recently made it to the final of the 2022 Australian Open, caused a major upset by defeating No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina in the final on Saturday. This win marked her very first WTA 1000 event victory and her first title since 2021.

Collins has faced many challenges throughout her career due to health problems like rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis. In January, she shared that she would be retiring after this season.

Nevertheless, she has accomplished a great deal in her time as a professional tennis player, reaching the impressive ranking of world No. 7 and holding the title of the highest ranked American female player at one stage.

Collins expressed her desire to win every tournament she enters, but she especially wants to secure a victory at a [WTA] 1000 this year as it is her final year competing. She emphasized the importance of this goal in conversations with those closest to her.

Despite being ranked No. 53 in the world, Collins delivered a dominant performance at the Miami Open, showcasing her strong hitting abilities and making history as the lowest-ranked woman to win the tournament.

Collins defeated the 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the Miami Open final.

Collins defeated the 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the Miami Open final.

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During an evenly-poised set, she saved four break points to hold serve at 4-3, before saving another at 5-5 to keep the pressure on Rybakina.

And when the Kazakh faltered and conceded three set points at 6-5, Collins pounced to take the first set.

TOPSHOT - USA's Danielle Collins reacts while facing France's Alize Cornet during their 2022 US Open Tennis tournament women's singles third round match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, on September 3, 2022. (Photo by COREY SIPKIN / AFP) (Photo by COREY SIPKIN/AFP via Getty Images)

USA's Danielle Collins showed her emotions as she competed against France's Alize Cornet in the third round of the 2022 US Open Tennis tournament. The match took place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 3, 2022. (Photo by COREY SIPKIN / AFP) (Photo by COREY SIPKIN/AFP via Getty Images)

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The second set was a close battle, with both players exchanging breaks of serve. Rybakina had two break points but couldn't convert, while Collins seized the opportunity and took a 5-3 lead. She then secured the victory on her fourth match point.

Playing in her home country, Collins was cheered on by a passionate crowd that made her feel like she was performing in front of a stadium full of her closest friends.

"That was so surreal," she exclaimed, as reported by the WTA. "I'll always remember this day because of that amazing moment."

She joined the ranks of legendary American women who have won the Miami Open, such as Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Sloane Stephens.

Despite her successful stint in Miami, Collins remains firm in her decision to retire. She expressed gratitude for the support and interest in her continued performance on the court.

I have some health challenges that make things a little more difficult for me off the court. I hope everyone can understand and respect that. It's a very emotional and personal issue.

Editor's P/S:

Danielle Collins' victory at the Miami Open is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite facing significant health challenges, she has achieved remarkable success in her career. Her win is an inspiration to all who face adversity, showing that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.

Collins' decision to retire at the end of the season is a bittersweet moment for fans of tennis. She has been a fierce competitor and a role model for many. However, her health issues have taken a toll on her, and it is understandable that she wants to prioritize her well-being. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and hope that she continues to inspire others with her story.