“So happy, love this” – Serena Williams shares her delight over Danielle Collins’ Miami Open triumph; American responds in kind

On Sunday, March 30, Serena Williams warmly congratulated Danielle Collins on her first WTA 1000 victory at the 2024 Miami Open.

Collins defied all odds to claim the women’s singles title at the 2024 Miami Open. Throughout the fortnight, the American remained unbeaten, defeating highly-ranked opponents such as Elena Rybakina, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Carolina Garcia, Sorana Cirstea, and Anastasia Potapva on her way to victory.

After her victory over Rybakina in the championship match, the WTA Tour’s Instagram account shared a photo of Collins hoisting the trophy.

Williams promptly responded to their post, conveying her happiness at the American’s accomplishment.

“So happy, love this and you,”Serena Williams wrote in the comments of the post by WTA.

Collins wasted no time in responding to the eight-time winner in Miami.

“@serenawilliams I love you more!!!”the 2024 Miami Open winner replied.

After her US Open journey ended in the third round, Williams announced her retirement from professional tennis in September 2022. Since then, she has shifted her focus to her family, hobbies, and business ventures, as a 23-time Major champion.

Serena Williams and Danielle Collins’ Limited Match History on the WTA Tour

Despite dominating the top of the tennis game for over two decades, from 1999 to 2021, Serena Williams retired in 2022 due to injuries and a decline in form. Her career as a 23-time Major winner showcased her unparalleled prowess. Meanwhile, Danielle Collins turned pro in 2016, meaning her career did not coincide with Williams’ peak years.

Despite this timeline, it is not surprising that the meetings between these two dominant players on the WTA Tour have been infrequent. They have only played against each other twice, with their first encounter taking place in the quarterfinals of the 2021 Yarra Valley Classic. In a closely fought match, Williams, a former World No. 1, emerged victorious over her younger rival with a score of 6-2, 4-6, [10-6].

In the third round of the 2021 French Open, the two players faced each other once again. However, this time Williams emerged victorious in a more dominant manner, securing a spot in the fourth round with a score of 6-4, 6-4.