Danielle Collins aims to bring rock and roll on court channelling Def Leppard: "I try to play like an animal out there"
WTA
Known as 'Danimal', Danielle Collins has given credence to that nickname in recent weeks after her run continued to 11 straight wins at the Charleston Open.
Showing no signs of slowing down in her final year, Collins had Animal by Def Leppard played at the end and confirmed that it is not only her theme song, but also a part of her mindset.
Read also
The 30-year-old who won Miami last week is known for her all action style whether that is in the heat of battle or celebrating wildly. She said she thinks rock and roll when she plays and it is working with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Elise Mertens the latest hit for Collins. Next up Maria Sakkari awaits who is one also for intensity and high octane action.
"There's also a song by Def Leppard called 'Animal' and I'm Danimal. I love that song. It’s my theme song so I’m glad they played it at the end of the match," Danielle Collins said in her on-court interview. "I try to play like an animal out there. It's like I think rock and roll when I go on the court, try to bring the heat," she added.

Known for her love it or hate it persona on court, Danielle Collins shared her rock and roll mindset behind tennis.
"Elise and I have had incredible battles over the years. Matches that I've won, matches that I've lost and the matches are always close. Elise is an incredible competitor and the way that she comes out here week after week and brings it is really admirable," she said. "And I know that on any given day, she can beat any top player. She certainly has the game to do that. I had to just stick to my guns and go out swinging," she added.
But while rain has disrupted her campaign so far at the Charleston Open, it is the extreme the better for the American. "I'm kind of a nerd and I'm obsessed with the weather. I love following storms, I'm from Florida so I feel like it's natural, but anytime there's extreme conditions, I just love it. And I think every time it gets like that, I play some of my best tennis cause I'm so aware
Read also

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.
mandoist29-10-2026 - With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?
mandoist29-10-2026 - Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.
mandoist27-10-2026 - Lena... Takin' care of business
mandoist25-10-2026 - Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.
mandoist25-10-2026 - Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.
mandoist21-10-2026








