Danielle Collins is overwhelmed with all kinds of first-time specials at the Paris Olympics. The American tennis star has made her Olympic debut in Paris after her long career. However, that did not stop her from reaching where she is. With 2024 being her final year, she will aim to make this Olympics special for her team.

Collins opened up about sharing the stage with her American counterparts at the Summer Olympics. She didn’t qualify for Team USA until this season. This, in turn, has given the World No. 9 all the more reason to take the utmost honor of representing her nation at the quadrennial event. While talking to the reporters, Collins voiced the reasons that made her Olympic debut special.

The 30-year-old notably highlighted that her relationship with her teammates Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Desirae Krawczyk, and Emma Navarro dates back years ago. “It’s also special because I’ve known these women for so long. I’ve known Jess (Jessica Pegula) since we were young teenagers. Des (her doubles partner Desirae Krawczyk) since we were about 10 years old, playing the national tournaments together because we’re the same age.“

“I’ve known Coco Gauff (a fellow Floridian) for a good part of her life because I met her when she was very young as well. And then Emma Navarro, being from my school (the University of Virginia, where Collins was a two-time NCAA champion). It’s been so nice that in my final year, I’ll get to have these memories forever.”

Moreover, during a post-match interview at the 2024 Charleston Open, Collins passionately advocated for representing her nation at the Olympics. Notably, she wasn’t officially drafted in Team USA for the Summer Olympics back then. Later, she also reminisced unforgettable moments she cherished while representing the US at the Billie Jean King Cup. “I would love nothing more to represent my country. My favorite memories on the court are honestly the weeks at the Billie Jean King Cup. There’s nothing, nothing like it.”

Although the American has garnered massive support from her home country, she has also stumbled upon love from a different country!

Danielle Collins earns a new fanbase with Irish fans in Paris

Before walking on the courts of Roland Garros ahead of her opening round clash with Germany’s Laura Siegemund, Collins realized she had gained a new fanbase. Standing amongst tennis fans in the spectating arena was the Irish crowd, who were actively cheering for the American pro. While speaking to the media at the Olympic Village, the World No. 9 expressed her amazement in acknowledging the Irish audience who stood for her support in Paris.

It is worth noting that the American likely earned her latest fan following owing to her grandfather’s Irish ethnicity. “A group of people that were Irish, and because of my last name, Collins, they came out to support me even though I’m American. Because my grandfather is Irish they wanted to support me. How cool is that?”

The former World No. 7 will next lock horns with Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki in the second round of the Paris Olympics on Monday, July 29. Furthermore, this match’s result will dictate how deep Collins can dig in the multi-sport event, hoping to clinch her maiden gold medal for her nation.