Charleston (USA) – Three days after win the biggest title of his career in Miami, Danielle Collins starts the clay season with victory at the WTA 500 in Charleston. Now occupying 22nd place in the rankings, the North American beat Spaniard Paula Badosa, former number 2 in the world and currently ranked 82nd, by 6/1 and 6/4 in 1h21 of the match this Tuesday.
Collins, fourth ranked Elena Rybakina in last Saturday’s final, will face another top 10. Unbeaten in eight games in recent weeks, she challenges Tunisian Ons Jabeur, number 6 in the world and current champion in Charleston. The home player leads the record of clashes against Jabeur by 2-1.
During the quick opening match, Collins managed three breaks during the first set and won the second set 3/0. When leading by 5/3, the game was briefly stopped after one of the line judges made a mistake on the court. After prompt assistance to the referee, the Spaniard maintained her serve, but Collins subsequently decided the game. The North American scored 28 to 10 on winners and made 15 errors against 10.
“It was a big scare, my heart stopped when I saw the line judge feeling sick. Fortunately he was seen quickly, everything is fine with him. I was then able to regain focus and finish the match,” he said during the on-court interview.
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“It’s not easy. On Sunday I took a five-hour car ride to my city. I slept there one night. And yesterday I flew here and just did one workout. I’m trying to adjust as best as possible, it’s a different style of play. You need to be versatile and flexible and I hope to improve with each game”, added the American. “I have great memories of Jabeur, on and off the court. We’ve even spent a New Year together. I also know that she has many fans and is one of the public’s favorites.”
Stephens and Townsend debut with victory
Two other North Americans won at the beginning of the round this Tuesday. Champion in 2018, Sloane Stephens beat Poland’s Magdalena Frech 6/0 and 6/2. Her next rival will be Canadian Leylah Fernandez. Left-hander Taylor Townsend beat compatriot Sofia Kenin by double 6/3. She faces Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova. In an Australian duel, Astra Sharma beat Arina Rodionova 6/4 and 6/1. In the second round, Sharma challenges Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko.
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Collins is thrilled with dream come true and title at home
