"She always struck me as someone that maybe didn’t like to talk much": Coco Gauff reflects on teaming up with Danielle Collins at United Cup

Coco Gauff reflected on her experience teaming up with Danielle Collins during the recent United Cup. The world No. 3 recently advanced to the third round of the Australian Open, extending her winning streak to nine consecutive matches — the longest active run on the WTA Tour. She now prepares to face Leylah Fernandez for a place in the second week of the year’s first major.

In her latest match against Jodie Burrage, Gauff secured a comfortable straight-sets victory, although the Brit did put up a challenge at times. Burrage even had the chance to serve for the second set, but Gauff denied any comeback, winning the last four games consecutively to seal the victory 6-4, 7-5.

"Danielle is going to be Danielle" - Coco Gauff

The 2023 US Open champion continues to establish herself as a strong title contender, reaffirming her excellent form in 2024. She began her season at the United Cup, a tournament she played for the first time, leading Team USA to the title by winning all five of her singles matches, including victories over Karolina Muchova and Iga Swiatek.

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One of her teammates was Danielle Collins, who served as Team USA’s second singles option in case Gauff was unable to play. In a recent press conference in Melbourne, the 20-year-old spoke about what it was like sharing the court with ‘Danimal’ at this point in their careers.

“Being on the team with Danielle was just so fun; she brought the best energy. She was sick the first week, but once that was cleared up, she brought great energy on the bench,” the former US Open champion said. “She’s been fun and, I’ll say, I think she’s maybe more relaxed now. I obviously knew her as Danielle Collins before, but I didn’t know her well.”

“She always struck me as someone that maybe didn’t like to talk much,” Gauff added. “But when I got to know her, I realized it was quite the opposite. She’s a genuinely nice person, and I always say, ‘Danielle’s going to be Danielle.’

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“When I say ‘Danielle being Danielle,’ I mean her being authentically herself. If you know Danielle Collins, you know exactly what I’m talking about,” the world No. 3 explained. “No one can change her, and she doesn’t care either — that’s something I respect. It’s great when someone knows who they are. On the bench, she brought fantastic energy, was super nice, and honestly critical during some tough moments at the United Cup.”

Collins successfully navigated the first round by defeating Daria Snigur and is set to return to the court Thursday afternoon to face local star Desatanee Aiava.

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