After Danielle Collins’ Emotional Outburst, ‘Patriotic’ American Tennis Coach Delves Deep Into Stirring Moment at the Billie Jean King Cup

The Billie Jean King Cup brings several aspects that provide fans with a complete pack of entertainment. Among those, the chemistry between teammates has always counted to be a crucial aspect of the event’s popularity. Recently, Kathy Rinaldi, the US team’s captain who always stayed on top to play the perfect guide, accepted her dismissal from the position to which, a legendary coach opened up.

Danielle Collins, the tennis star who has been teaming up with Rinaldi for a long time, made the fans emotional after she broke down while saying words for her captain. After that, Eric Hechtman, the legendary figure who guided Venus and Serena Williams, also came forward to present his surprising thoughts about the dismissal.

Tennis Coach Eric Hetchman talks about Kathy Rinaldi’s recent emotional move

Recently, the US team captain Kathy Rinaldi presented an emotional moment to every spectator who watched as she stepped out from her position as the US team’s captain at the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup. In an exclusive interview with ES, renowned American tennis coach Eric Hechtman opened up about the emotional departure of Kathy Rinaldi who has been playing the iconic captain of the Billie Jean King Cup team for America.

As Mahalakshmi, the host, inquired about the ambiance in the locker room after noting the tears shed by some players, Eric, who has been known to have a strong connection with Rinaldi, said words of appreciation about her not only as a coach but also as a great captain and person. He mentioned, “I’ve known Kathy for a while. She’s not just a great coach, she’s a great captain, great person. So, you know, she’s still gonna be a part of the US scene, but obviously very emotional for her and for everybody else involved.

ALSO READ: Having Spent Time With Both Venus and Serena Williams, Their Former Coach Picks His Favorite Among the Legendary Sisters

He also highlighted the emotional impact of Rinaldi’s departure on everyone involved, including himself. “It was great for me; that was my first experience with being a part of anything from my country at that level. So I’m a very patriotic person, and it was an honor to be there,” he shared.

Moving past the emotional aspects, Eric expressed his hope for a return to such events in the future. “It’s a dream of mine to be in the Olympics. So hopefully that happens, you know, if not this year soon,” Hechtman said, mentioning his dream of participating in the Olympics.

Danielle Collins shares her thoughts on her mate’s farewell

Just a few days before the legendary coach Eric shares her thoughts over Kathy’s farewell from the Billie Jean King Cup team captain, Danielle Collins made the world emotional as she expressed her affection and admiration for the captain who was about to step down. While she could easily be spotted getting emotional, Collins mentioned, “If I had it my way, I would bring back Kathy every tie, and I would have her at every tournament and I’d have her be my neighbor, game night. My roommate, you know, anything.”

Along with that, she also highlighted the strong impact Kathy Rinaldi had on her life, Collins concluded, “Kathy has been one of the consistent themes and consistent people in our lives. And, you know, I love her to death.” With these emotional verdicts from Collins and Eric Hechtman, Kathy’s farewell came out to be a difficult-to-let-go moment.

WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer.