Local favorite Danielle Collins has electrified the crowd of 14,000 fans at the Miami Open, clinched the title in her home state, and beat Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3 in straight sets. The 2-hour exhausting match had Collins on her toes as she had never won a WTA 1000 (title), until now. Although she has won three WTA Tour singles titles, in her own words, “nothing compares close to this.”

During the post-match press conference, she credited her dog (a poodle mix), Mr. Q, whom she also calls her ‘son’, for positively impacting her campaign. Apart from dropping her first set in the tournament, she won the next 14 sets in a row, even without going to a tie-break. This title was very special to Collins as she had announced earlier at the Australian Open that this would be her final year of playing professional tennis.

In the presser, former number 7 was asked about what set her most recent achievement at the Miami Open hardcourts apart from her previous successes during her competitive journey. She said, “Yeah, I have never made a final of a tournament having my dog here. That has had a positive impact, for sure. I’m learning that my weeks are better with Mr. Q. He’s my son.”

Collins said, “Having my son here means a lot. It’s also different. I think some of the matches that I have played, I have played very efficient, I haven’t spent a lot of time on court. I have played similar strategies throughout the tournament against similar types of opponents, I would say.” 

Besides her dog Quicy, whom she drops at a dog daycare when she is out practicing, Collins has been golfing of recent to keep her mind at ease. She attributes some of her interests as a means to keep a relaxed poise to judge her game. Disregarding retirement at the end of year as the sole reason for it, Collins elaborated, “I think I feel pretty relaxed, but that could be due to a number of things. I’ve got a new hobby. I’m playing some more golf, running more, Pilates, all of these different things.”

But like every paw parent, she is most relaxed when she is around Quincy. “My dog is here. I’m feeling relaxed because I get to be with him at night,” she said with a smile, after her impressive 6-3, 6-2 win over France’s Caroline Garcia in the semi-finals.

If it was up to her, Danielle Collins would rescue all the dogs and cats in the world!

During the pandemic, the American player took to Instagram to share pictures of her dogs, including ‘Mr. Q,’ and she talked about how they are full of love and companionship. “When you look into these cuties’ eyes, you know exactly where their hearts are ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Full of love and companionship.”

She then went on to express her preference over humans. “I think that’s why I prefer dogs over humans, most of the time. During this global crisis, lives everywhere have been turned upside down. Scout, Lola (Apple Pie), Harper, and Quincy have been a huge comfort to me and my family,” she stated in the caption.

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While urging others to adopt homeless pets, Collins said, “… But unfortunately not all the dogs and cats in this world are so lucky. I would rescue all of them if I could…Many homeless pets, in the hardest-hit cities and countries, are without families they can count on… Together we can make sure they don’t go hungry. Scouty, Lo, Harper, and Q-Mister would give endless kisses to say thank you.” All her pets are rescued dogs.

What do you think of the American tennis star crediting her dog, ‘Mr. Q’ for her recent achievement in her home tournament? Let us know in the comments section.

READ MORE- Miami Open: Danielle Collins’ Classic ‘I’m Effin’ Done’ Expression Attracts Tennis Fans’ Unfiltered Reactions