In what is a battle between two players who have played their final Olympic Games, it swung the way of Danielle Collins as the American continued the remarkable run so far for Team USA in Paris.
Collins was facing off against Caroline Wozniacki who left Court 14 in tears as she was defeated 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in what will also be her final Olympic Games being that she likely won't be on the tour when 2028 comes around.
For the American it is more of a clear route out. She decided at the turn of the year to retire from the sport at the end of 2024. Wanting to pursue other interests outside of tennis as well as wanting to start a family, Collins has found top form ever since. She got in late to Team USA usurping the charge initially of Emma Navarro.
Initially Navarro didn't make the team but Madison Keys deciding against playing marked the addition of the former. Collins joins Navarro and Coco Gauff in the Last 16 who won earlier this afternoon against Maria Lourdes Carle. Jessica Pegula would complete a clean sweep for USA female singles players through to the Last 16. She faces Elina Svitolina this evening.
But when it came to 'Danimal', it wasn't without drama for the World Number 9 as ever. It was all the American in the first set she went 4-1 up and despite allowing Wozniacki back in, she shut the door after it was momentarily 4-3 up. She went on to snatch the final two games of the set for the advantage.
But Wozniacki rode a wave of impetus from there. She could've broken to go 4-2 up but didn't let that get to her as she went 5-3 up before closing out the set but despite breaking to go 2-1 up. She suddenly folded. Collins went on to seal a double break which proved vital as she won four games on the spin for 5-2 up and sealed the win from there.
Wozniacki who has been superb this tournament doesn't join Angelique Kerber in former World No.1 revivals. But the Collins train continues to motor and given that she was poor in Paris through playing too much in May, she will hope to make up for that with a medal for Team USA. She now faces Camila Osorio who has delighted a smattering of Colombians in Paris. The winner could yet be on a collision course with Iga Swiatek.
Danielle Collins beats Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the last 16 in #Paris2024. Great battle and good comeback from a break down in the decider. Last #Olympics for both these players. A possibly Caro's last time at Roland Garros venue. She left court 14 in tears.
