Matthew McConaughey's admiration for Danielle Collins: “One of the secretly great sport life stories of 2024”

Wimbledon 2024 has attracted the attention of numerous global stars, who have come to witness the matches of the tennis greats. Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey recently praised Danielle Collins amidst her remarkable campaign at the All England Club.

The American 11th seed isn’t the only player catching the eyes of world celebrities. Three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes was spotted in the crowd at Centre Court, watching the match between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and American Frances Tiafoe—a marathon match that ended 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 in favor of the Spaniard.

In the third round, Collins faced a tough challenge against 20th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, a grass-court specialist with two titles on the surface. The American secured a straight-sets victory over the Brazilian and remains undefeated in sets as she awaits her fourth-round match against 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova.

The former Australian Open runner-up announced her retirement from professional tennis at the end of this season at the age of 30. Since then, she has showcased an exceptional level of play throughout the season, winning two titles (including her first WTA 1000) and compiling a 36-11 record, which has placed her at world No. 11 and 6th in the WTA Race to the Finals.

Her victory over Haddad Maia has allowed her to reach the Round of 16 at Wimbledon for the first time in her career. ‘Danimal’ had a notable reaction of joy, shouting towards her box after her win: "I let my emotions out there. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I'm someone that's not afraid to be myself," she said. "I think as women we should really embrace that, support each other, and use that to fire us up.

"I think we get framed as emotional, and frustrated, this and that, and I just say, 'Eff it. I'm going for it.' I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve and I'm always going to bring the passion,” the former world No. 8 added. "That's one thing, throughout my entire career, whether it was from the start, graduating from college or at the end of my career here now, I'm always bringing the passion. Trying to keep everyone entertained as much as I can."

Collins’ outstanding year has captured the attention of Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey, a known tennis enthusiast who even sat in Novak Djokovic’s box last summer at the US Open. This time, he posted on social media: “Danielle Collins is one of the secretly great sport/life stories of 2024. Major proof of ‘1st time’s the last’ mental state.”