(VIDEO) “That was a big fail. You got me" - Martina Navratilova unimpressed with 'early April Fool's joke' by Danielle Collins

Danielle Collins has certainly made an impression since joining the punditry team for the Tennis Channel to analyse and dissect the Miami Open. While covering the tournament, she briefly pulled an 'early April Fool's joke' which did not go well with Martina Navratilova.

The 2024 champion is sidelined from the Miami Open after off-court health issues have taken priority. She has fallen from the prior heights of world number eight in this time after poor form and injury have taken their toll. The former Grand Slam finalist will hope to return to the court one day at only 32-years-old and a lot left in the tank.

For the time being, she is applying her trade as a pundit and analyst. She has already caught the headlines when stating that French tennis player Corentin Moutet had been 'flirty' with her in an exchange. Moutet responded to this situation on X by stating: "How can I unfollow you when I never followed you."

She is back at it again causing a stir on the Tennis Channel, this time with fellow members of the show.

Alongside the two women, former American tennis player Chris Eubanks and presenter Steve Weissman. The incident occurred when Collins attempted to say that she was related to the late American journalist Bud Collins.

Collins then burst out in laughter, admitting that it was a joke. “I’m kidding, it’s an early April Fool’s. We’re close to April 1st. I had to get you guys at some point,” she stated.

It seemed to fall to the wrong audience as the 18-time Grand Slam champion labelled it as a 'fail' despite originally believing the statement. “That was a big fail. You got me,” Navratilova commented, before letting out an awkward smile. “I cracked myself up. It was believable for a second,” Collins responded.

Collins will have to focus on the task now at hand with the Miami Open finals fast approaching. First up to bat is world number one Aryna Sabakenka who took down Elena Rybakina in the semi-final stage. She is looking to back up her success at Indian Wells with Coco Gauff standing in her way. The American never reached a quarterfinal in Miami before this tournament but has proved that she can still compete with the best despite lingering issues in her game.

Collins offered her opinion on the outcome of this final. “They have split those matches, but Coco has come up clutch in some of those finals," she stated. "I think Coco with that game style, she has the capability to make Sabalenka come up with a lot of errors and also, she forces Sabalenka to have to play outside of her strike zone. Which she doesn’t like to do,” Collins said. “Coco is arguably the best mover on tour. It’s gonna be hard for Sabalenka.”

From the other point of view, Collins sees it as tricky for Gauff to get anything from this final, but still admits it is possible. “Now, Sabalenka is No. 1 in the world, it’s going to be a tough match for Coco," she added. "She’s gonna have to play her game. She’s gonna have to serve well, return well, do all the things, but she is certainly capable of doing that, with what we have seen out here this week from her."

The final will take place on April 28, with the men's final between Indian Wells champion and world number two Jannik Sinner and Jiri Lehecka will take place a day later on April 29 as the Sunshine swing comes to a conclusion.