When Danielle Collins appeared in Strasbourg last year, she missed out on lifting the trophy. But guess what? It seems the World No.46 American WTA star has got another golden chance to make it happen. This week, she’s made it to her second straight semifinal in Strasbourg while proving she’s in red hot form ahead of the French Open. Undoubtedly, Collins would like to step on the Parisian clay court with a title win at the ongoing WTA 500 event. But it won’t be an easy ride as she’s set to face a tough opponent in Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova on Friday in the SF battle. Will Danimal make it to her second straight summit clash in Strasbourg? Let’s try to find out!

Danielle Collins v Liudmila Samsonova: Preview

Danielle Collins began her 2025 season on an underwhelming note. In January, she faced an early, R32, exit at the Adelaide International. Going into the Australian Open, she failed to leave an impression after crashing out in the third round against compatriot Madison Keys. Then at the Indian Wells and Miami Open, her poor form continued. She was ousted in R32 and R16 respectively. But she witnessed a temporary improvement going into the Charleston Open. She entered the QF before compatriot Jessica Pegula edged her out with a score line of 1-6, 6-3, 6-0.

In Rome, Collins couldn’t get past the R16 after losing to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina. Earlier this week in Strasbourg, the American kicked off her campaign with a tough victory over compatriot Sofia Kenin. After the latter pushed the result into a deciding third set, Collins came back strongly and won with a score line of 6-1, 1-6, 6-2. Then in the R16, the World No.46 outplayed British pro Emma Raducanu to enter the QF round. Collins got a direct entry in the semis after her opponent Anna Kalinskaya withdrew, due to an undisclosed injury, ahead of their face-off.

Speaking of the other opponent, Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova’s 2025 season has been average. She started the year on a good note and entered the SF stage at the Adelaide International. However, she failed to create an impact down under. Serbia’s Olga Danilovic ousted her in the second round of the Australian Open. It was the start of a poor phase that extended further. At the Abu Dhabi Open, Qatar Open, and the Dubai Tennis Championships, Samsonova faced early exits in R32 successively.

At the Indian Wells Masters, she did reach the quarterfinals but found herself struggling again. In Miami, she couldn’t make it past R64 against Japan’s Naomi Osaka. Once again, she went through a bad phase with back-to-back early exits. In Stuttgart, Madrid, and Rome, the Russian was ousted in R32, R32, and R64 respectively. Entering Strasbourg, Samosonva began her campaign with a straight set victory over Czechia’s Linda Noskova. Then in R16, she went past French pro Diane Parry before outperforming Spain’s Paula Badosa in the QF with a score line of 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

Collins v Samsonova: Head-to-Head

Both the players have met once in their careers across WTA tournaments. Currently, Samsonova leads the H2H tally 1-0 against Collins.

• 2023 Citi Open R32: Samsonova 6-1, 6-3

Prediction: Danielle Collins to win in straight sets

Danielle Collins is having a slight edge over Liudmila Samsonova when it comes to singles stats this year. With a win percentage of 70.58, the American has won 12 of her 17 matches compared to the Russian (13-13).

Now coming onto the event history, Collins has already competed twice in Strasbourg. Back in 2018, she made her event debut but couldn’t get past R16. However, last season was exceptional for her as she succeeded in reaching the final before losing against compatriot Madison Keys. On the other hand, Samsonova played her maiden campaign in Strasbourg last year. She left a good impression by reaching the semis and now she’s replicated the performance in 2025 too.

Speaking of their playing styles, Collins has got an aggressive approach on the court. She tries to dominate her opponents with a solid kick-serve and a strong two-handed backhand. Not to mention her ability to hit amazing volleys over the net. When it comes to Samsonova, she relies on an impactful serve and effective groundstrokes. She’s also a tactical player and tries to earn crucial points by exploiting her rivals’ weaknesses.

Now considering the past encounter’s result, Samsonova may appear to be the favorite. But if the current form is anything to go by, Danielle Collins looks set to advance into the final. On Friday, she’s expected to settle the scores against the Russian pro in straight sets.