At the 2024 Madrid Open, world number three Coco Gauff praised Danielle Collins for her firm response to a heckler during her third-round match. Both Gauff and Collins have advanced to the fourth round of the tournament, with Collins defeating Jaqueline Cristian in three sets and Gauff beating Dayana Yastremska.
Collins had to deal with constant verbal abuse from the crowd during her match in Madrid. She confronted the heckler by saying, “You come out and you play. Come out here and do what I do, okay? Have a little more respect.” Gauff responded on social media, admiring Collins’ assertive reaction.
The two players, who have a friendly relationship on the women’s tour, often support each other on social media. Gauff congratulated Collins on her recent Miami Open victory, which was the 30-year-old’s first WTA 1000 title. Collins has been in incredible form recently, capturing the Miami Open without dropping a set and continuing her winning streak in Charleston by claiming back-to-back titles.
However, Collins has stated that she plans to retire at the end of the season due to a chronic inflammatory disease that affects her ability to get pregnant. Despite her impressive form, she is committed to her decision.
Collins will face Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round, while Gauff will go up against Madison Keys. The winners will then face Ons Jabeur in the quarterfinals.
