Diamonds, honey! Danielle Collins hopes for glittering send-off from "home fans" in Austin
A trophy in hand may be quite continental, but Collins is aiming for a 24-carat finish to what she has promised to be her final season on tour.
Danielle Collins has been putting in the work through what she has promised to be her final season on the Hologic WTA tour, and the former world No. 7 is hoping for a big reward after she wraps an unforgettable career.
Asked what ATX Open fans could give her as a send-off, Collins channeled Marilyn Monroe and unfurled a glamorous wish list.
“I’m terrible and I ain’t cheap, baby!” the American laughed after defeating Olivia Gadecki in straight sets.
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, that’s all I’m going to say. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so if anyone wants to get me some diamonds, I’m going to take them, honey!”
Born in Florida, Collins happily claimed the WTA 250 in Austin, Texas as a second home and assured fans she was enjoying every minute of farewell tour, one that has already seen her push world No. 1 Iga Swiatek to three sets at the Australian Open and reach a WTA 1000 quarterfinal at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open.
“A lot of people say to me that I don’t look that happy when I’m playing. But I am playing a competitive sport, and there’s a lot on the line. So, I don’t really know how to, with all the seriousness happening on court, be like…” she trailed off, miming a big smile. “That’s hard for me! But I really enjoy coming out here.
“Obviously at the end of the year, it will be time for a new chapter, but right now it’s still going. I’ve played a lot of tournaments, but it’s like go big or go home. I’m going to do it 100% or just be chilling at my house! I love coming here and having so much of the support and friends I’ve made here over the years. It’s just incredible.”
In her search for a 24-carat finish in 2024, Collins will next face fellow American Katie Volynets for a spot in the ATX Open quarterfinals.