Serena Williams showed that she had been rooting for Danielle Collins at the Miami Open (Image: Getty)
Serena Williams made it clear who she was supporting at the Miami Open.
Serena Williams has shown who she was pulling for in the WTA event at the Miami Open after siding with Grigor Dimitrov in the men’s draw. The retired tennis legend turned up to watch her “close friend” Dimitrov in the semi-finals on Friday. And Williams has now shared her reaction to Danielle Collins’ title win.
Although Williams retired in 2022, she is still keeping an eye on the results at the biggest tournaments. The 23-time Major winner was spotted in the stands for men’s semi-finals day at the Miami Open, watching Jannik Sinner and Dimitrov win their respective matches.
The American has a long-standing friendship with Dimitrov and made it clear that she was on his team when she posted a series of videos cheering for him courtside to Instagram. But it has now emerged that she also had a favourite in the women’s draw.
Collins won the biggest title of her career on Saturday, defeating Elena Rybakina to claim the trophy in her home state. And it was great news for Williams, who was clearly pulling for her countrywoman all along.
The 42-year-old commented on a photo of Collins lifting the trophy on Instagram, writing: “So happy love this and you”. The newly-crowned Miami champion replied: “I love you more!!!” Collins will soon join Williams in retirement, as she previously announced that this was her final season on the tour.
It isn’t known exactly when Collins will stop playing this year but she has already gone out with a bang at her home tournament, winning her maiden WTA 1000 title – something Williams was delighted to see. And it could be a great weekend for the tennis legend if Dimitrov claims the trophy on Sunday.
Williams has a close bond with the ATP No. 12, as Dimitrov revealed that they speak almost every day. After she came to watch his match on Friday, the Bulgarian said: “She’s amazing. We stay in touch. We nearly speak on a daily basis. She said, I’m gonna come watch. I was, like, Okay.”
The American has even been helping Dimitrov, as they had a brief chat ahead of the match which helped him go on to beat Alexander Zverev. “It’s friendship, man. I think this is the best part. Tennis is tennis, but, you know, we are all living our dream right now. I think the real life begins after, and I think we have managed to be such good and close friends after so many years,” Dimitrov added.
“And again, to be able to lean on, to share thoughts, ideas, and sometimes to even vent, someone that actually played tennis, right? It helps a lot.” Williams will be hoping that she has backed the right player again when Dimitrov tries to join Collins in the winners’ circle at this year’s Miami Open.
