Danielle Collins continued her winning ways as she reached her first semifinal at the ongoing Charleston Open. Ahead of the semifinal clash against Maria Sakkari, Collins opened up about the possibility of pairing up with boyfriend Bryan Kipp at the USTA ‘Gold Ball’ event.
When Collins was asked about her boyfriend, she said, despite the busy schedule, Kipp made the trip to Charleston from Boston to support her during her quarterfinal clash with Elise Mertens. She chuckled while recalling how Kipp didn’t know anything about tennis, which according to the American tennis star was interesting. She also joked that as USTA’s Gold Ball is a big deal in the US, it might affect their relationship.
Danielle Collins (Image via IMAGO)
We just don’t really find enough time because we’re doing golf, and he’s also in my matches a lot, and you know he’s working. But in the future, I’m hoping that we’ll play like maybe the husband-wife doubles like the USTA maybe you play for the Gold Ball. I explained to him that this is a big deal in the tennis world.Danielle Collins told Tennis Channel
Notably, the Gold Ball is one of the most cherished prizes in USTA tennis. People from across different age groups and backgrounds are eligible to compete in different divisions. To top it, even people above the age of 90 have competed in this competition.
Danielle Collins reveals she met Bryan Kipp at a coffee shop in London
Danielle Collins has been dating Bryan Kipp for a while now. She met him at a coffee shop when her Wimbledon campaign came to an end.
We met at a coffee shop in London, so it was pretty exciting. I didn't think I would meet someone at a coffee shop. Who would have thought? Just after the tournament, Wimbledon.Danielle Collins told Tennis Channel
Collins called herself a “jock” and Kipp a “cerebral” type of person because he majored in engineering. Kipp is also a football player as he used to compete in Columbia.
Meanwhile, Collins defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to book herself the semifinal spot. She started her campaign in Charleston by storming past Spain’s Paula Badosa.
The 30-year-old American will retire after this season, but despite that, she has been producing some powerful performances. Before the Charleston Open, she defeated Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3 to clinch her first Masters 1000 title at the Miami Open.