"I've played a lot of tennis but nothing close to this": Full-circle fairytale for Danielle COLLINS with home state Miami Open glory

Danielle Collins sealed an incredible Miami Open title win in her home state in her farewell year as she showed that it is certainly what dreams are made of as she took down Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3.

Collins in her final year has played with utter freedom in recent months and despite batting away some asking if she was going to reverse her decision, she has a reward which will be the ultimate farewell no matter what happens in the rest of 2024.

A player who made the ultimate splash six years ago at this very tournament as a qualifier and as her career ends, it is the MiamI Open again which will be remembered fondly as she took the opportunity in her post match speech to tell stories of her upbringing as a tennis player in Florida and the full circle nature of this title.

As well as lauding Rybakina and saying they would play plenty more finals. This technically can't happen as Collins will retire but a popular win for the American as Rybakina is denied for a second consecutive year by a fairytale story.

“Really ready to hold that trophy. That was a battle. This whole week was tough. I played against some of the best players in the world… To be out here and share the court with Elena, it’s been incredible seeing you evolve over the years. I’m always rooting you on. Hopefully we’ll play many more finals," said Collins.

“I’ve played a lot of tennis and played a few finals but nothing close to this. To play in my home state, the tournament I used to watch on tv as a kid. My dad said ‘if you’re not playing the tournament you’re not going,’ I had to work really hard to get here. To come out and feel like I’m playing in front of thousands of my best friends… it was an incredible environment. I’ve never experienced anything like it”