Coco Gauff was anticipated to make it, at least to the semi-finals, after she was awarded a relatively easy path in Paris. However, her forehand didn’t come to her rescue, and like a house of cards, the hopes were demolished by Donna Vekic in straight sets. Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro followed the same suit, leaving only Danielle Collins in the race for Gold. Seeing their hopes being reduced to 1 from 4 even before the quarterfinals, tennis fans now stand behind their lone warrior in the race, to get her to the medal stage.

Gauff cried foul, as she was brushed aside by Vekic in straight sets. The incumbent US Open champion, who was supposed to spearhead the tennis challenge against the world best, was floored by a lower-ranked player. However, in a twist of fate, the player on the verge of retirement, Collins, has been having the season of her life, as she enters the quarterfinal as the sole American hope. In a tweet, the tennis letter highlighted the current state of American tennis, at the Paris with the caption:

What went wrong with the other three? A lot of things, particularly for Gauff, if Serena Williams’ childhood coach, Rick Macci to be believed, it all boils down to her forehand. However, right now is not the time to discuss what went wrong on the clay. That task is better left for later stages. Therefore, tennis fans are active in their cheering for their country, as they come behind Collins to bring the Gold home.

Tennis fans declare Danielle Collins “The best American player” as other bow out

Animal spirits come to the rescue of the American tennis contingent in the form of Collins, or famously called Danimal. This is supposed to be her last season, and she is all set to exit with a bang after facing several challenges throughout her career. She is battling rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis, however, that hasn’t slowed down the American tennis player. And tennis fans have acknowledged his courage and spirit, as they said, “That’s right! Danielle Collins is a prominent American tennis player making a strong showing in the Olympic singles draw. It’s exciting to see her represent the U.S. on such a big stage.”

Drawing comparisons with her compatriots, Pegula, who has struggled to make it big throughout the season, except on one occasion at the WTA 500, Ecotrans Ladies Open at Berlin, tennis fans are thankful to have Danimal representing the USA at the Olympics. As they said, “Pegula continues to choke. Thank goodness we have the Danimal.” Moreover, Macci too has imposed his faith in Collins, as he considered her to be the only American player in Paris, who can stand a chance against the reigning French Open champion, Iga Swiatek.

Before the spotlight was put on Collins, everyone’s gaze was stuck on Gauff’s back. The youngster made her dream debut at Wimbledon by defeating Venus Williams. And went on to win the US Open 2023, proceeding to make it to the semifinals at the French Open 2024. Gauff was supposed to be the torchbearer. However, that dream is over in singles, as Collins takes over the charge from here. Consequently, tennis fans are in awe of the World No.9 as they declare her, “The best American player this year 🤷🏾‍♂️.”

Collins won the Credit One Charleston Open, and the Miami Open made it to the finals of Internationaux de Strasbourg, the semi-final of the Italian Open. These are a few of her successful dominant runs from the 2024 season, and she did break all the barriers to making it big in the last season of her tennis career. Therefore, when tennis fans say that, “Danielle’s been a dawg all year,” they are undoubtedly true in their analysis. She has rocked 2024 with utmost grace.

At the end of their career, every sports person looks for respect and appreciation for their contribution to making the country proud. And after everything she has been through, and still hangs on in the circuit and at Olympics with her Danimal spirit. Fans are right to say: “Gorgeous Danielle, you deserve our respect and applause.”