Collins stays on path to retirement despite Charleston title

Danielle Collins defied the odds to win her second WTA title in a row on Sunday but will not change her plan to retire at the end of the season.

The unseeded American whose career best showing was an Australian Open final two years ago, booked her trophy with a 6-2, 6-1 defeat of fourth seed Daria Kasatkina in Charleston.

It was the third loss in a final this season for the runner-up.

Collins, ranked 22nd and determined to retire at the end of 2024 due to health issues, backed up her title last week at the Miami Masters.

The last player to complete the one-two on Miami hardcourt and US green clay was Serena Williams 11 years ago.

Collins ran her current win streak to 13 on the trot, beating her own personal best of 12 in a row. from three years ago

She becomes the fourth unseeded player to win the Charleston title, along with joining Iva Majoli (2002,) Justine Henin (2005) and Kasatkina (2017).

Collins began the season ranked 71st and will now move up to 15th in the world.

Collins said that despite recent success she still plans to retire in 2024.

 “With my set of (health) challenges, it’s a very personal decision.And it’s great that I’ve made the decision that is best for me.”

“I’m really happy that I can showcase my best tennis in these last couple of events, because I think that’s the way I want to go out. 

“I  know everyone has a different way of retiring and ending their career, but for me, I want to try to go out playing my best tennis.”

Main photo:- Danielle Collins picks up her Charleston trophy with her dog Mr. Q – by WTATennis.com