MATCH REPORT | 2024 Miami Open: Danielle COLLINS clinches first WTA 1000 final after sensational victory against Ekaterina ALEXANDROVA

Danielle Collins (No. 53) reaches her first WTA 1000 final after defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova (No. 14). The American will be the first local player in the Miami Open final since Sloane Stephens won the title in 2018.

Collins came into the final on the back of a good streak of victories, including straight-set wins against Iga Swiatek (No. 1) and Jessica Pegula (No. 5). The American ensured a return to the top 30 shortly after announcing her retirement earlier this season.

Collins displayed her strong serving from the outset, a key aspect of her performance throughout the tournament, where she had only suffered 5 breaks in 6 matches. However, Alexandrova managed to secure the first break in the third game, capitalizing on some unforced errors from her opponent.

Nevertheless, that was the only moment in the match where Alexandrova could challenge Collins, as the local player comfortably held her service games and dominated the exchanges from the baseline. Collins consecutively took two breaks and led 5-2 due to the inconsistency of her opponent.

Although Alexandrova had to save five set points on her serve, she couldn't prevent the former world No. 8 from taking the set 6-3 with an impeccable level, winning 74% of the points on her serve.

In the second set, Collins maintained her momentum and grabbed an early break to go up 2-0 on her serve. From then on, she took the initiative and was the dominant force in the match, especially on her serve. Despite Alexandrova managing to hold her serve in a couple of games, when it mattered most, Collins was more effective, securing the only break opportunity in the seventh game.

Collins showcased her class in the final stages of the match and closed out the set on her serve to secure the 6-3, 6-2 victory. In the final, she will face Elena Rybakina (No. 4), who overcame Victoria Azarenka (No. 32) and is in the Miami final for the second consecutive year.