3 Danielle Collins controversies from 2024 ft. Refusing bouquet at US Open

Danielle Collins is known for her fierce demeanor on the tennis court. She never shies away from a challenge, which often leads to her surrounding herself in controversies.

Earlier this year, Collins announced that this year would be her last, signaling her impending retirement. She has had a good season to date, winning her first title of the season at the 2024 Miami Open by defeating Elena Rybakina in the final. She then followed it up by securing another title at the Charleston Open, where she triumphed over Daria Kasatkina in the championship match.

However, Collins' performances at the Grand Slam tournaments this year have been lackluster. At the Australian Open, she defeated Angelique Kerber in the first round but was defeated by Iga Swiatek in the second. A similar fate awaited her at the French Open, where she lost to Olga Danilovic in the second round

The former World No.7 reached the fourth round at Wimbledon but was ultimately defeated by the eventual champion, Barbora Krejcikova. Most recently, at the US Open, Collins suffered a loss to fellow American Caroline Dolehide in the first round.

Despite her impending retirement, Danielle Collins' bold and outspoken nature remains unchanged and has seen her involved in several controversies.

Here are some of the controversies Collins was a part of :

#3 Danielle Collins had some strong words for Iga Swiatek at Paris Olympics 2024

Danielle Collins (L) and Iga Swiatek (R) at Paris Olympics 2024 [Source: Getty]

Danielle Collins had some strong words for Iga Swiatek following their quarterfinal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Collins was seeded eighth in the tournament and she had defeated the likes of Laura Siegemund, Caroline Wozniacki, and Camila Osorio before facing Swiatek in the last eight.

In the quarterfinals, Danielle Collins went up against Iga Swiatek, who made it to the semifinals after the American retired from their match during the third set, with the score reading 6-1, 2-6, 4-1 ret. due to an injury.

After the match, Collins approached Swiatek at the net and engaged in a seemingly heated exchange, leaving Swiatek looking flabbergasted.

In a post-match interview, the American revealed to the media that she had told the World No.1 that there was no need for her to be "insincere" about the injury that led to her retirement from their match.

"I told Iga she didn't have to be insincere about, you know, my injury. There's a lot that happens on camera, and there are a lot of people with a ton of charisma and come out and are one way on camera and another way in the locker room. I don't really feel like anybody needs to be insincere. They can be the way that they are. I can accept that, and I don't need the fakeness," Danielle Collins said.

Tennis fans were left puzzled by Danielle Collins' outburst against Swiatek and her accusations of the Pole being insincere.

#2 Danielle Collins hit back at hecklers at Madrid Open & Monterrey Open 2024

During the third-round match at the 2024 Madrid Open, Danielle Collins faced qualifier Jaqueline Cristian. During the second set of the match, a disruptive fan in the stands began shouting, attempting to throw off the players' focus.

Collins, who is known for her fierce demeanor, immediately took action against the unruly fan. She challenged them to come play like the professional players. She also asked the fan to have "respect" for the players.

“You come out and you play. Come out here and do what I do, okay? Have a little more respect,” Collins said.

Most recently, ahead of her campaign at the 2024 US Open, Collins had competed in the 2024 Monterrey Open. Seeded first in the tournament, the 30-year-old began her campaign against Erika Andreeva in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. However, the match was marred by disruptive hecklers in the stands. Once again, Collins stood up for herself and her opponent and asked the fans to allow for a peaceful game of tennis.

"What in the world? I don't get it. It's not that hard to let us play tennis and be supportive," she said.

#1 Danielle Collins refused to take bouquet during farewell ceremony after US Open 2024 1R loss

Danielle Collins, who was playing her last Grand Slam of her career, faced compatriot Caroline Dolehide in the first round of the 2024 US Open. Collins took an early lead by winning the first set 6-1, but Dolehide staged an impressive comeback, ultimately defeating the 11th seed 1-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Following the match, the organizers of the New York Slam had prepared a small farewell ceremony for the World No.11. However, to the surprise of tennis fans and tournament officials, Collins swiftly exited the court without participating in the ceremony. This unexpected display of alleged disrespect towards the tournament, its organizers, and tournament director Stacey Allaster left many in shock.

Allaster, carrying a yellow bouquet of flowers intended for Collins, was seen trailing behind the player as she made her hasty departure.