American tennis player Danielle Collins showcased her exceptional form by clinching the WTA Charleston Open clay court title on Sunday, defeating Russia's Daria Kasatkina with a commanding score of 6-2, 6-1. This triumph marks another milestone in Collins' late-career resurgence, following her recent victory at the Miami Open 1000 hard court championship. With back-to-back wins, Collins is set to ascend to 15th place in the world rankings, underscoring her remarkable resurgence in the sport.
Despite announcing her impending retirement from tennis at the end of the season, the 30-year-old Collins has been enjoying a remarkable resurgence, extending her winning streak to an impressive 13 matches. Kasatkina, the 2017 Charleston Open champion, reached the final after a hard-fought semifinal victory over top seed Jessica Pegula, but Collins proved to be an insurmountable obstacle in the title match.
Collins' dominance on the court was evident as she swiftly dispatched Kasatkina in just 77 minutes, seizing control of the match with a crucial break early in the second set. Her powerful strokeplay and unwavering focus rendered the change in surface from hard court to clay inconsequential, as she showcased her prowess to claim the championship. Winning an astounding 95.2% of her first serve points and displaying resilience under pressure by saving break points, Collins left no doubt about her deserving victory.
In a gracious exchange after the match, Collins expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue her dreams and excel in the sport. Kasatkina, while acknowledging Collins' exceptional performance, humorously remarked on her opponent's impending retirement, highlighting Collins' vibrant personality and contributions to the tennis world.
Collins' remarkable achievement of winning both the Miami Open and Charleston Open in the same year puts her in esteemed company, joining the ranks of tennis legends like Serena Williams. With an impressive tally of 22 wins for the season, Collins has firmly established herself as one of the standout players on the WTA tour.
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