Tennis can be both punishing and poetic, often drawing a perfect triangle between stunning courts, raw passion, and pure love for the game. Just ask Danielle Collins! The fiery American has endured a challenging season so far, exiting the AO in the 3rd round, followed by underwhelming runs in Indian Wells and Miami, where she failed to reach the QFs. Even in Charleston, the site of her title win last year, her campaign ended in the quarters, and she later pulled out of Stuttgart. Yet, one thing remains unchanged: her fierce spirit. How do we know? She’s back in Rome, reigniting her signature five-star vacation vibes-just like in Melbourne: bold, unapologetic, and unbothered by rowdy fans!
The story traces back to the AO, where American star Danielle Collins found herself at the center of drama during her 2nd-round clash with Aussie qualifier Destanee Aiava. Although she secured a 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 victory, the match became memorable for her fiery exchanges with the crowd. Tensions peaked when Collins cupped her hand to her ear, blew a kiss, and cheekily gestured for the crowd to kiss her bottom, an act that drew a storm of boos during her on-court interview.
Unfazed, the 31-year-old added fuel to the fire with a sarcastic mic-drop moment: “I was thinking through the match, I might as well just take that big fat pay cheque. Coco [Gauff] and I, we love a good five-star vacation so part of that cheque will go towards that so thank you. Thank you for coming out here and supporting us tonight.” Now, as she heads into the Italian Open, echoes of Melbourne’s intensity are already beginning to surface.
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The official IG page of the Italian Open recently posted a candid video of Danielle Collins off the practice courts, radiating excitement as she prepares for another tournament outing. With her signature charm, Collins addressed fans with a smile: “Hi everyone, Danielle here. Can’t wait to get started here in Rome. I’ve had a great first day on these beautiful courts. Feels like I’m on a 5-star vacation. It’s one of my favourite tournaments. So looking forward to getting back out there and competing.” Her love for the venue and the atmosphere was unmistakable, and the five-star vacation reference was a subtle nod to her now-iconic AO moment.
Earlier in the year at Down Under, Collins had already won hearts for her unapologetic self-confidence, even after being eliminated by eventual winner Madison Keys. Reflecting on her mindset, she shared, “Something I’m really proud of myself is I just have gotten to the point where I really don’t care anymore about what people who aren’t important to me think.” That moment captured her evolving perspective, as she embraced both criticism and praise with poise.
Her fire and authenticity didn’t go unnoticed, though, especially by Novak Djokovic. The 10-time AO champion, who himself got boos after retiring from the SF match, praised Collins’ boldness during his press conference, following his heated exchange with a crowd member. “I loved her response. I loved it. Everything she said on the court, off the court. Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before. But now? Big fan. I love it,” Novak said, solidifying his respect for her attitude.
And while Collins thrives in the heat of competition, she also knows how to unwind. Later that tournament, she made time to relax in the Bahamas, proving once again that she can juggle fierce tennis and five-star getaways with effortless flair.
Danielle Collins embraces five-star vacation vibes after fierce showdown with AO Crowd
After Madison Keys’ surprising win at the AO, fellow American Danielle Collins didn’t waste time unwinding from the intense tennis grind. She took to IG to share a sun-soaked reel from her beachside vacation in the Bahamas.
The video began with a group selfie, all smiles and celebratory poses with her friends. Collins’ bright giggle hinted she was more than ready to relax. Dressed in a black bikini and lounging on a sunbed with a smoothie in hand, she radiated peace. She then gave fans a mini tour of her stay at ‘Coral Harbour Island,’ showcasing a cozy room and a scenic walkway to the beach. With ‘Kings of Leon’s Beach Side’ playing in the background, she captioned the reel, “This five star vacay brought to you by @coralsands_harbourisland.”
The five-star theme is nothing new for Collins. Back in March, a viral post on X quoted her iconic line: “Play tennis. Cash checks. Repeat.” Alongside a clip full of attitude, the audio played her post-match quip: “Me and my group of girlfriends, we love a five-star vacation, so I can guarantee you that cheque is gonna go towards our next five-star trip, hopefully to the Bahamas. We like boats, we like big boats, we like yachts. So yeah, we’ll post about it and let you guys know how it goes.”
Now, as she heads into the Italian Open, Collins will look to turn her 2025 campaign around. So far, she hasn’t even made a single quarterfinal appearance this season.
Still, her charisma and energy remain unmatched, both on and off the court, making her a fan favorite with the power to win hearts and matches alike in Rome!
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