Danielle Collins aims to bring rock and roll on court channelling Def Leppard: "I try to play like an animal out there"

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.

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.

"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