Remember when Danielle Collins silenced a booing crowd after defeating hometown favorite Destanee Aiava at the Australian Open earlier this year? The fiery American didn’t just brush off the jeers: she embraced them with a smirk, famously quipping, “While I’m out here, I might as well take that big fat paycheck.” Her bold attitude and unapologetic style have made her a fan favorite in the tennis world. And as she continues to make waves on the court, she also uses her platform to spread awareness and help those in need.
Collins’ recent win at the MUSC Health Women’s Open in Charleston, South Carolina, was not just another victory for her. In a post-match interview, she revealed the true motivation behind her dominating performance – her furry friend. “Another day, another dollar. But this one is going towards my dog’s surgery,” she cheekily said, holding her beloved pet’s picture in her hand.
The 27-year-old American has always been vocal about her love for animals. She has two rescue dogs, Keagan and Harrie, who have been her best companions throughout her tennis journey. So when she found out that Harrie needed surgery, she wasted no time in stepping up her game and winning the Charleston title, which came with a handsome paycheck of $250,000.
But Collins’ win wasn’t just about the money. It was about her determination and resilience in the face of adversity. She had to fight her way through some tough matches against top players like Cici Bellis and Jelena Ostapenko to reach the final. And in the championship match, she outplayed the talented Ons Jabeur to lift her first WTA 500 title.
Her performance on court was reflective of her strong character and never-give-up attitude. And off the court, she continues to use her platform for a greater cause. Collins is an active supporter of animal rights and frequently advocates for pet adoption and the humane treatment of animals. She also works closely with animal shelters to raise funds and find forever homes for abandoned and abused animals.
But her philanthropic efforts don’t end there. In 2020, when the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, Collins stepped up and used her sewing skills to make masks for healthcare workers. She also donated a portion of her prize money from the UTR Pro Match Series to the National Domestic Workers Alliance COVID-19 Care Fund.
Collins’ actions not only speak volumes about her kind heart but also inspire others to do their part in making the world a better place. She may be a fierce competitor on the tennis court, but off the court, she is a compassionate and generous human being.
Her win in Charleston also marked a significant milestone in her career. After struggling with injuries and inconsistency, Collins has finally found her rhythm and is playing some of the best tennis of her life. She reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2019 Australian Open, where she defeated three top-20 players in a row, including current world No.1 Ashleigh Barty.
With her recent title, she has broken into the top 40 in the world rankings and is hungry for more success. But no matter how far her tennis career takes her, Collins will always stay grounded and true to herself, never forgetting her love for animals and her desire to make a positive impact in the world.
As she continues to make headlines on the court and off, Danielle Collins’ cheeky and fearless attitude makes her a refreshing and inspiring figure in the world of tennis. Her love for her furry friend not only helped her lift a trophy but also reminded us that sometimes, the greatest victories are the ones that come with a greater purpose.
So let’s take a page out of Collins’ book and use our talents and platforms to make a positive impact in the world, just like she did with her Charleston win. After all, as she says, “another day, another dollar.” But this time, the dollar is going towards a worthy cause, thanks to a big-hearted and talented athlete named Danielle Collins.
