Several fans of Danielle Collins were concerned about her safety after Hurricane Milton struck the player's home state of Florida, but she announced her safety on social media.
Collins hoped to compete throughout the ongoing Asian swing on the WTA Tour, with the final two WTA-1000 tournaments of the season already completed in Beijing and Wuhan.
Positive results during the Asian swing would have been particularly helpful to Collins since, a few weeks ago, she had a great chance of qualifying for the year-end WTA Finals.
Unfortunately, the 30-year-old has been unable to play any tournaments during the Asian swing. Collins withdrew from the China Open with an illness before being unable to compete in Wuhan for the same reason.
An incredible spell of form in March and April put Collins in an excellent position for the WTA Finals. She won her first WTA-1000 tournament in her home state, the Miami Open, beating Elena Rybakina in the final.
Collins followed that the next week by storming to another title on the green clay of the Charleston Open, not dropping a set during that tournament to win her second title in as many weeks.
The 2022 Australian Open runner-up continued to perform solidly for the next couple of months, including an epic three-set battle in Madrid against Aryna Sabalenka, who won the Wuhan Open last week.
Collins' season has hit a stumbling block since she suffered an injury in her Olympics quarterfinal with Iga Swiatek. She ended the match with some heated words directed at the confused-looking Pole.
However, Hurricane Milton put the American's recent tennis struggles into perspective. The deadly hurricane claimed 14 lives and caused widespread damage to property and other infrastructure in Florida.
Thankfully, Collins is safe. She posted a picture of her and her dog Quincy to confirm that, as well as to send prayers to those who have suffered more devastation than she did during the tragic event.
"Thanks to all who have been reaching out and checking in. It's been a nightmare for so many Floridians. I consider myself very lucky that I have very little damage relative to so much of my family and friends. It puts everything into perspective."
"Blessed to still have a roof over my head and even though Mr.Q's toys got drenched, he is happy these monster hurricanes are behind us. Praying for everyone who has faced devastation during this incredibly difficult time. And praying everyone stays safe during the rest of hurricane season."
Collins' many fans are undoubtedly relieved she and her dog are safe. The devastation some faced in the state was life-altering, and Florida has much work to do to rebuild from that damage.
Hopefully, Collins can get herself fit and healthy for the end of what is the final season of her career before retiring. The 30-year-old is on the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team for November's finals and deserves to end her impressive career on a positive note.
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