Australian Open villain Danielle Collins wins hearts over what she did to ‘Crash’ off-court in Miami

Danielle Collins, who has not yet won a trophy since the 2024 Charleston Open, is bidding to defend her title at the Miami Open.

Australian Open villain Danielle Collins wins hearts over what she did to ‘Crash’ off-court in Miami

Danielle Collins (Image via X/Australian Open)

Danielle Collins has moved closer to her second consecutive Miami Open title after knocking out Sorana Cirstea and Rebeka Masarova in the second and third rounds. Collins is searching for her first tour-level title in the tournament since her win at the Charleston Open last year.

She entered the tournament after her third-round defeat to Elina Svitolina at Indian Wells. The American ace, after securing a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 over Masarova at Miami Gardens, narrated how she rescued a dog hit by an accident.

YouTube video

The other night when we were leaving the stadium, we saw this dog curled up in the middle of the road. He got hit by a car. I was like, we have to pull over. We took him out of the street. He’s been in the hospital now for two days. We’re hoping to adopt him and take him home. Right now he’s in critical condition at the animal hospital.

Danielle Collins said during the on-court interview

A couple of months ago, she became an ‘enemy’ during the Australian Open over her conduct toward the crowd. After ending home favorite Destanee Aiava‘s campaign in the second round, the 31-year-old cupped her ear, blew kisses, and slapped her backside while the Aussie crowd inside Show Court Arena booed her.

Collins added fuel to the fire when she pulled their legs even more by thanking them for the “big fat paycheck” she received. Collins’ action involving the dog, however, has won the hearts of the netizens.

If everyone can say some prayers for my new pet.. his name is Crash, because he was in a car crash. Please, guys, send good energy to my little baby…that would be great.

Danielle Collins added

Danielle Collins pays heartfelt tribute to her dog

Danielle Collins beat Sorana Cirstea to start her campaign at the Miami Open. After her win, the World No.15, who has won four singles titles, paid tribute to her dog Mr. Quincy. Collins said that the presence of her dog, who is also known as Mr.Q and is the “love” of her life, had a positive influence on her in Miami.

Danielle Collins (3)
Danielle Collins (Image via /WTA)

Yeah, I have never made a final of a tournament having my dog here. That has had a positive impact, for sure. I’m learning that my weeks are better with Mr. Q.

Danielle Collins said during her on-court interview

In last year’s Miami Open final, Collins beat 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina to claim the title, which was also the biggest trophy she has won so far. The win had made her the lowest-ranked champion in the tournament.

Prior to the event, Collins had announced her retirement after defeat to Iga Swiatek in the second round at the Australian Open, citing health challenges she was dealing with that was stopping her from starting a family. Toward the end of the year, however, Collins decided to take a U-turn.

Danielle Collins to lock horns with Aryna Sabalenka

Danielle Collins will now face a tough opponent in the Miami Open fourth round. She has set up a seventh tour-level encounter with World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka who received a walkover from Elena-Gabriela Ruse after winning the first set.

Aryna Sabalenka (9)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Collins has never secured a win over the Belarusian in their previous six meetings. They last faced each other in the semifinal in Rome last year which Sabalenka had won in straight sets.

It was Sabalenka who ended Collins’ 15-match winning streak last year when she beat her in the Madrid Open fourth round. The three-time Grand Slam singles champion has not yet won the Miami Open and was defeated in the third round last year.