“After this match, I am not so sure,” Daria Kasatkina confesses to missing Danielle Collins’ character as she bows out of Charleston with a close upset

Danielle Collins‘ victory march took control at the 2024 Charleston Open, where she defeated Daria Kasatkina in the finals. Ranked 22nd and unseeded, Collins was in for a tough match as Kasatkina was ranked 11th and seeded fourth.

The American however, took just one hour and 17 minutes to blow away the Russian 6-2, 6-1. Playing on the green clay of Charleston is a different challenge, as it is the only tournament to use different colored surfaces. But it was not a problem for Collins, who caused all sorts of troubles for Kasatkina.

The fourth seed was certainly gutted to miss out on the chance to win her seventh career title. She was also on a four-match losing streak in the finals, with her last Tour title coming at the 2022 Championnats de Granby in Canada. She jokingly showed her anger at the American, leaving everyone in splits before praising her. 

First of all congrats to Danielle. Danimal. At first, I wanted to say I’ll miss you on tour but after this match I’m not sure. To be honest I’m gonna miss you because you’re such a character. Your personality is amazing. Tennis is gonna lose a lot after you’re done. Enjoy these moments.

Said Kasatkina

The final win for Collins was her 13th consecutive match win, achieving her best-ever winning streak. Her previous best was in 2021 when she won 12 matches on the trot. She had also won two titles, but they came in different weeks, making her current streak extra special. 

The former World No. 7 also matches Serena Williams‘ record from 2008 and 2013 of winning the title in Miami and Charleston. Having grown up fangirling over the 23-time singles Grand Slam title winner, it was a special feat for her.

Danielle Collins breaks into the top 15, Daria Kasatkina still outside the Top-10

Coming into the finals, Kasatkina needed to win the title to enter the Top-10 once again. But with Collins’ win, the former World No. 8 has to wait for some more days. She currently holds 3313 points, trailing World No. 10 Jelena Ostapenko (3438 points) with just 125 points. 

As for Collins, she is now the world No. 15, rising seven places in the rankings. The American was ranked outside the Top-50 when she started her campaign in Miami. With two consecutive titles, she is now in the Top-15. She now has 2639 points to her name, being 799 points away from the Top 10 currently. 

The WTA Tour now goes on a week-long break as the focus shifts to national duty for the 2024 BJK Cup. With Russia and Belarus suspended from the competition since 2022, Kasatkina gets a week off.

As for Collins, she failed to make the cut for her national team and also gets some time to relax after a busy few weeks.

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