“The trajectory from how I started as a collegiate athlete, to how I was able to work my way to the top, to earn it. To really, truly earn it.” This ethos defines Danielle Collins, a 31-year-old competitor whose raw aggression, booming serve, and “fierce mentality” have propelled her to prominence. Beyond the court, she champions financial literacy and women’s health. Her memorable 2025 Australian Open, highlighted by a fiery exchange with the crowd, solidified her reputation as a player who demands attention. Despite a third-round exit, she remained a central figure. Now, Collins has once again stirred the pot, reminding everyone of her enduring impact. How has she managed to do it?
The former 7th seed Danielle Collins had initially planned to retire at the end of the 2024 season to start a family. However, in October last year, she announced a change of heart, deciding to extend her career into the new year. Collins, who battles ‘endometriosis’, revealed that her health challenges had made family planning more complicated than she expected, leading her to return to the center court. After helping ‘Team USA’ secure the United Cup in Sydney, Collins arrived at the AO in high spirits, embracing the camaraderie of the tour.
Collins embraced the role of Melbourne Park’s ‘ultimate pantomime villain’ during this year’s AO, turning jeers into a spectacle of her own. The 2024 Miami Open winner stirred up the crowd in her 2nd round match against local favorite Destanee Aiava, sarcastically thanking hecklers for “paying my bills” while blowing kisses, cupping her ear, and even pointing to her backside after she won. Even after sealing the win, she doubled down, quoting, “If I’m out here, I may as well just take that big, fat paycheck.” The drama didn’t stop there, though.
The 2022 finalist was met with boos again as she walked onto the Rod Laver Arena for her 3rd clash against Madison Keys, yet she remained unfazed throughout the match. Following her defeat, she coolly elaborated, “One of the greatest things about being a professional athlete is that the people who don’t like you and the people that hate you—they actually pay your bills.” Almost two months later, she has reignited that buzz in a bold, cheeky manner, something like ‘Collins Way!’
Just a couple of hours ago, one of the pages on X (formerly Twitter) updated a post about Danimal, quoting, “Danielle Collins came out with some merch. “Play tennis. Cash checks. Repeat.” The audio… the way she blew the kiss.. the finger snap…There will never be another Danielle Collins. ,”. And the audio of the post?
“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,” lines Danimal stated after her 2nd round post-match press conference.
Danielle Collins came out with some merch.
“Play tennis. Cash checks. Repeat.”
The audio… the way she blew the kiss.. the finger snap…
There will never be another Danielle Collins. pic.twitter.com/GVQ2zA2PX1
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 6, 2025
And just when many thought she was joking with her interview, Collins proved she meant every word.
Novak Djokovic shared his opinion on Danielle Collins’ encounter with the Australian crowd
And, staying true to her unapologetic persona, the American took to social media on February 2nd, sharing envy-inducing clips of her luxurious getaway at ‘Coral Sands Inn & Cottages’ on ‘Harbour Island’, quoting, “This five star vacay brought to you by @coralsands_harbourisland ”. The video featured Collins sipping a ‘drink’, strolling beneath ‘palm trees’, and soaking up the sun while enjoying the well-earned spoils of her eventful run as well.
Even tennis icon Novak Djokovic, no stranger to clashing with a hostile crowd by himself, voiced his support for Danimal during the AO, acknowledging her bold approach after her match against the Aussie.
“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. I heard some comments of people that she shouldn’t have said (this) or that. I think she handled it really well. I don’t think I would be that polite, and I know exactly the feeling,” Novak stated.
Danimal, who withdrew from both the Doha and Dubai Open citing a lingering ‘foot injury’, is next scheduled to compete at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells against the 23-year-old fellow American Hailey Baptiste.
The post Months After Her Australian Open Feud, Danielle Collins Stuns as She Launches Her Own Merchandise: ‘Play Tennis. Cash Checks’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.
