Comparison between players across generations will never cease as long as a sport is alive. Frequently sparking intriguing debate, Andy Roddick’s recent revelation after the current Italian Open match has given us one more pair to ponder over. Danielle Collins might be happy to receive this elite comparison to a player she has always admired, André Agassi.

The Collins chapter of this season is not over yet. After conquering the Miami and Charleston Open, the 30-year-old player had an early exit from the Madrid Open. However, she is back in prime form in Rome and has already qualified for the Round 16. Referring to her recent performance on-court, Andy Roddick explained how her style of play reminds him of the former World No. 1, Andre Agassi.

“What I am seeing from you is the ability to stand in the center of that court and completely control that. Distribute with pace, lines cross, she sets herself in the middle. And then almost looks the way that Andre Agassi used to play,” Roddick stated in the Tennis Channel Live Podcast.

Danielle Collins’ aggressive baseline game indeed coincides with Agassi’s style of play, as well as his devastating shot-making. Agassi’s way of changing direction with precision on all surfaces made for an interesting comparison between him and Collins. 

One notable incident where Agassi’s baseline dominance made the audience go crazy was during the Australian Open final of 1995 against Pete Sampras. In that match, his strategy was to control the rallies from the baseline and hit the ball early with precision. He used his powerful groundstrokes to his advantage, ultimately leading him to his first Australian Open victory—the same approach that Collins uses now. 

Further adding to this, Roddick concluded by saying, “She is in the flow and she feels like, even if I don’t play perfect, I am gonna play well.” However, a few weeks ago, even Danielle Collins made an interesting revelation about Andre Agassi as well.

Danielle Collins reveals why she “teared up,” watching Andre Agassi in the Miami Open

When Danielle Collins achieved her first Miami Open title, Andre Agassi was in the crowd applauding her. What made it more special was that this was the first time she played in front of the 54-year-old player. Therefore, this added more to her joy as she declared how much she had learned from the eight-time grand slam champion.

“Andre was my [service] return idol. I can’t tell you how much footage I’ve watched of Andre. When I saw him out here, I almost teared up. It was surreal,” said the soon-to-be-retiring American tennis pro. While Danielle Collins continues to show her incredible skills on-court, it will remind us of the times when Agassi dominated the court with the same style of play.