Everything seems to be humming right now for American Danielle Collins as she topped Russian Darya Kasatkina in the final at San Jose, 6-3, 6(10)-7, 6-1 after two hours and 18 minutes of inspired tennis.
This was the second WTA singles title for Collins after bagging her first in Palermo just two weeks ago — as we are now witnessing the best tennis of her career.
On her way to the finals, she defeated experienced and favored players like Sloane Stephens and Elena Rybakina, while Kasatkina herself overcame the likes of Elise Mertens and Caroline Garcia. The American had her chances to end the story in the second set, but the Russian herself is no pushover and a big-time player herself as she fought back and won the tiebreaker to send it into a decider. In the third set, Kasatkina surprisingly lost her touch and Collins just took advantage to win the title. San Jose, indeed, provided some depth that not only entertained the crowd but a crown Collins should be proud of.
Hours before the Collins conquest, German Andrea Petkovic only took an hour to plaster first-time finalist, Egyptian Mayar Sherif, 6-1, 6-1 to take Cluj Napoca.
While the finals was close to wearisome, the Cinderella story of Egypt’s first player to reach the quarterfinals was a narrative worth taking into account itself — and whatever Sherif would accomplish afterwards was simply icing on the cake, so as they say, the rest is history.
Montreal Shuffle
Back are the likes of Simona Halep and Bianca Andreescu in Montreal. But what could we really expect from a recovering Halep? Or could we, at least, see the fire that Andreescu used to have?
For their fans and the talent they possess, a recovering Halep should at least make the quarterfinal, while the ‘unpredictable’ Andreescu should at least make the semifinals. After all, an injury deserves more leniency compared to some kind of ‘attitude’ problem.
It’s about time for some great tennis.
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