"I like how Danielle Collins sticks to being a bi**h" - Fans react to American refusing tribute in last Grand Slam singles match at US Open

Danielle Collins was defeated in the first round of the 2024 US Open by compatriot Caroline Dolehide. A tribute was planned for Collins, who played her last singles match at a Grand Slam in New York as she is set to retire at the end of the season. However, she rejected the tribute and fans claimed it was expected of her.

Collins announced in January this year that this was her final season on the tour. In subsequent interviews, she mentioned that she plans on raising a family, and her health problems have given her a 'small window' to achieve that. The American is currently having one of her best seasons on the tour with multiple titles.

At the US Open, Collins was participating in the final Grand Slam of her career. In the singles event, she took on Dolehide in the first round on Tuesday, August 27. After comfortably winning the first set, the 11th-seed could not capitalize on her advantage. Dolehide pulled off a remarkable comeback to win 1-6, 7-5, 6-4.

After the match, Stacey Allaster, former CEO of the WTA, was prepared to present Collins with a bouquet, and a tribute was seemingly planned for the American. However, she went off the court before receiving it. In her press conference, she revealed that she had rejected the idea of a tribute beforehand.

A Reddit account posted about how Collins left the court before receiving the bouquet.

Oh :( Would’ve loved to see their tribute for Danielle Collins. byu/lovesbakery intennis

Many fans claimed it was something that is expected from the 30-year-old. One fan wrote:

"Im not a fan of her but I kinda like how she sticks to being a bi**h lol... Also why would she even have a tribute? Not to be shady but it’s not like she’s won a major."

Comment byu/lovesbakery from discussion intennis

"In fairness this is the most Danielle Collins thing to happen," another fan wrote.

"That's the most Collins-like exit imaginable. Retiring from GS how she played throughout her career, in anger. Truly a touching tribute," a fan commented.

"I’m gonna miss her. This is peak Collins 🤣" yet another fan wrote.

Meanwhile, some fans believed that Collins was correct to reject the tribute. One fan wrote:

"Good for her, she doesn't even have a history winning the US Open to accept a tribute, that's lame."

Comment byu/lovesbakery from discussion intennis

"Sounds like she declined to have a tribute, so good on her for sticking to that. They should have respected her decision. Also, it's Danielle Collins, not Roger Federer.... it's not like we have to have a tribute for every player that retires," another fan wrote.

---

Danielle Collins will partner Caroline Garcia in the women's doubles event at the US Open 2024

Danielle Collins. (Image: Getty)

Danielle Collins' final Grand Slam appearance is set to be in the women's doubles event with Caroline Garcia as her partner. The American considers the Frenchwoman a 'good friend' and believes she is in 'good hands'.

Following her defeat against Caroline Dolehide, Collins said in her press conference:

"It was kind of a no-brainer to get together for, you know, the doubles and be able to play in my last slam with her [Garcia]. We haven't played it before, but I feel like I'm in good hands. She's got some titles under her belt on the doubles side. Yeah, it will be really interesting."

Collins and Garcia are set to face the all-American pair of Anna Sinclair Rogers and Alana Smith in the first round of the US Open.