On her last attempt, Danielle Collins triumphs at Miami Open

In her final Miami Open, Danielle Collins captured the title by defeating Elena Rybakina in the finals. Collins, who announced that this season would be her last due to suffering from endometriosis, was emotional during the on-court trophy ceremony in front of an adoring crowd that included tennis legends like Andre Agassi and Martina Navratilova. The 30-year-old, ranked No. 53 and unseeded, played an animated two-hour match against Rybakina, ultimately winning the tournament and becoming the lowest-ranked women’s champion at Miami. This victory was the biggest of Collins’ career and her first in a Masters 1000-level event. She leaves the tournament with $1.1 million in prize money and will move up to 22nd in the rankings.

Collins saved 10 of the 11 break points she faced during the match, displaying a strong defensive game against Rybakina. The Kazakh player, who had played four prior three-set matches in the tournament, mentioned that her physical condition was not at its best, impacting her ability to push herself during crucial points. Despite the challenges she faced, Rybakina complimented Collins’ aggressive style of play and acknowledged that she should have taken more risks during the match. Collins, on the other hand, credited her focus and mental strength for her success in the tournament, describing it as the most centered she had ever been in her career.

In the men’s final, Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner will face tournament surprise Grigor Dimitrov. Dimitrov, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev to reach the final, is set to enter the top 10 for the first time since 2018. Notably, retired legend Serena Williams was in the stands to support Dimitrov during his matches. The two have a strong friendship, with Williams referring to Dimitrov as their “little brother” when she was on the tour. Dimitrov expressed gratitude for Williams’ support and friendship, highlighting the impact of having such a prominent supporter in his corner.

In addition to singles matches, the men’s doubles final took place on Saturday, with top-seeded Rohan Bopanna and Matt Ebden emerging victorious against Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek. The final was decided on a 10-point tiebreaker, showcasing the competitive spirit of the players in the doubles event. The Miami Open provided an exciting platform for both singles and doubles competitions, with players showcasing their skills and determination throughout the tournament. As Collins celebrated her triumph and Rybakina reflected on her performance in the finals, the event highlighted the passion and talent present in the world of professional tennis.