Danielle Collins, the 53rd-ranked player in the world, has been making waves at the Miami Open, showcasing her exceptional form and determination. Despite announcing her retirement from the WTA Tour at the end of the season, Collins remains a formidable opponent, as evidenced by her impressive victories over Anastasia Potapova, Elina Avanesyan, and Sorana Cirstea.
Collins’ next challenge comes in the form of Caroline Garcia, who has also been in impressive form, defeating Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff in her previous matches. However, Garcia’s season-long statistics raise concerns, particularly her subpar hold percentage and career-low break percentage. Her unreliable serving has been a major factor in her recent struggles.
In contrast, Collins has been breaking at an impressive 41.6% this year, a career-high mark. Her elite returning skills will pose a significant threat to Garcia’s serve. Additionally, Collins thrives in the Florida atmosphere, having grown up and trained in the state. She will also enjoy the support of the home crowd.
Collins holds a 3-0 record against Garcia, never dropping a set in their previous encounters. This psychological advantage, combined with her current form and the favorable conditions, gives Collins a strong edge in this matchup.
