Danielle Collins has spoken out about the controversial incident between her and Maria Sakkari during the Canadian Open in Montreal.
The two players clashed in the second round of the tournament after Sakkari hit a ball into the crowd. In the second set of the match, Sakkari’s first serve was ruled a mistake and in frustration she threw a ball on the ground, which then bounced off the court into the gathered crowd.
Collins, unhappy with Sakkari’s behavior, went to the referee, but Sakkari told the American to “shut up” before a lengthy argument broke out.
The 29-year-old speaker has now spoken out about the incident, claiming she was vilified for saying something after Sakkari almost hit someone in the crowd.
“She almost hit someone, and I was reviled for standing up for her,” Collins said. “I wouldn’t have done that a few months ago. I would have worried too much about what other people say or think about me.” , or judging me,
“I feel like so much of what Jared has done [Jacobs, her coach] I’ve been trying to help myself be my authentic self, be what’s important to me and my values, and not worry so much about the things I can’t control.
“I think that helped a lot to put things in perspective because it’s easy to deviate from that.”
Collins defeated Sakkari 6-4, 6-2 and later Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open before Iga Swiatek defeated her 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
“Gamer. Introvert. Problem solver. Creator. Thinker. Lifelong food evangelist. Alcohol advocate.”