Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Danielle Collins

Discover the career path of Danielle Collins, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Danielle Rose Collins is an American professional tennis player who has achieved high rankings in both singles (No. 7) and doubles (No. 79). She has won four singles titles, notably a WTA 1000 title at the 2024 Miami Open, and one doubles title. Collins reached the final of a major singles tournament at the 2022 Australian Open.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1985: Inception of Miami Tournament

Collins became the third woman to claim her maiden singles title in Miami after turning 30 years old, following Chris Evert (1986) and Petra Kvitová (2023), since the tournament's inception in 1985.

1986: Chris Evert's Miami Win

Collins became the third woman to claim her maiden singles title in Miami after turning 30 years old, following Chris Evert (1986) and Petra Kvitová (2023), since the tournament's inception in 1985.

2009: WTA 1000 finalist category

Collins was the fourth-oldest first-time WTA 1000 finalist since the category was introduced in 2009.

2009: First ITF Events

In 2009, Collins played her first events on the ITF Women's Circuit.

2011: First ITF Singles Title

In 2011, Collins won her first ITF singles title.

2013: Serena Williams's Miami and Charleston Wins

Collins became the first player to win back-to-back titles in Miami and Charleston since Serena Williams in 2013.

2013: Roland Garros Quarterfinal

Due to the six-month shutdown of the WTA Tour caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Collins did not play again after the Australian Open until August, after that, at the French Open in 2013, she reached her second career Grand Slam quarterfinal.

2013: No Professional Matches

In 2013, Collins did not play any professional matches while playing college tennis at Virginia.

2014: ACC Championship and NCAA Singles Title

In 2014, Collins helped Virginia win the ACC Championship and became the first Cavalier to win the NCAA singles title.

2014: WTA Tour Main-Draw Debut

In 2014, Collins made her WTA Tour main-draw debut as a wildcard player at the US Open in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she forced second seed Simona Halep to a third-setter in the first round.

2014: NCAA Singles Title

In 2014, Collins won the NCAA singles title during her sophomore year at the University of Virginia.

2015: No Professional Matches

In 2015, Collins did not play any professional matches while playing college tennis at Virginia.

2015: ACC Championship

In 2015, Collins helped Virginia win consecutive ACC Championships.

2016: Second NCAA Singles Title

In 2016, Collins won her second NCAA singles title during her senior year at the University of Virginia, finishing as the top-ranked collegiate player.

2016: Second NCAA Title and Honda Sports Award

In 2016, Collins won her second NCAA title, finishing her college career as the nation's top-ranked player and receiving the Honda Sports Award for tennis.

2016: Turned Professional

In mid-2016, Collins turned fully professional. During her time on the ITF Circuit, she won four singles titles.

2018: Miami Open Semifinals

In 2018, Collins established herself on the WTA Tour by reaching the semifinals of the Miami Open as a qualifier.

January 28, 2019: Career-High Ranking

On January 28, 2019, following the Australian Open tournament, Collins rose to a career-high ranking of No. 23.

2019: Australian Open Semifinals

In 2019, Collins had a breakthrough at the Australian Open, advancing to the semifinals and defeating world No. 2 Angelique Kerber.

2019: World TeamTennis Debut

In 2019, Collins played her first season with World TeamTennis with Billie Jean King's Philadelphia Freedoms.

2020: Dismissal from Orlando Storm

Collins started the 2020 season on the Orlando Storm roster which began July 12, but was dismissed from the league after leaving the state and breaching COVID-19 safety protocols.

2020: Wins over Top-15 Opponents

In 2020, Collins began the year with three wins over top-15 opponents at the Brisbane International and Adelaide International.

August 9, 2021: Re-entered Top 30

As a result of winning her second WTA title at the Silicon Valley Classic, on August 9, 2021, Collins reentered the top 30 at world No. 28.

2021: First WTA Tour Title

In 2021, Collins won her first WTA Tour title at the Palermo Ladies Open.

August 2022: Returned to top 10

Collins returned to the top 10 for the first time since August 2022 after reaching the final at the WTA 500 in Strasbourg

2022: Finalist Points Not Defended

Due to not defending her finalist points earned in 2022, Collins's ranking fell from 11 to 40 after the 2023 Australian Open.

2022: Australian Open Final

In 2022, Collins contested a major singles final at the Australian Open.

2023: Petra Kvitová's Miami Win

Collins became the third woman to claim her maiden singles title in Miami after turning 30 years old, following Chris Evert (1986) and Petra Kvitová (2023), since the tournament's inception in 1985.

2023: 2023 Season Start

Collins started her 2023 season in Adelaide, reaching the quarterfinals at the second tournament. She participated in the Australian Open as the prior year's finalist, where she ultimately lost in the third round.