In-form Collins knocks out defending champ Jabeur, setting clash with Stephens

That’s – count them – nine match wins in a row for Danielle Collins.

The Miami Open champion has carried her momentum into the Credit One Charleston Open this week, upsetting defending champion and No.2 seed Ons Jabeur 6-3 1-6 6-3 on Thursday (April 4) two days after a victory over former world No.2 Paula Badosa.

Collins will take to Credit One Stadium again on Thursday evening against another former champion in 2016 winner Sloane Stephens after rain backed up the tournament schedule on Wednesday.

MORE: Thursday’s schedule | Updated draws

Stephens was in impressive form against Leylah Fernandez in her match, winning 6-4 6-4 for a first-ever win in four outings against the Canadian.

As the tournament completed second-round matches the third round is also underway, with top seed Jessica Pegula, No.3 Maria Sakkari and No.4 Daria Kasatkina all in action – among others.

“It’s tough to play players that have confidence, and Danielle is playing really good,” said Jabeur after the loss. “I wish I could get the win today, but I feel like already taking a set from her was a good start. So I’ll try to keep it positive.”

Jabeur leaves Charleston with her earliest exit since 2018, when she lost in the first round, but says her 10 days here (she came to the city right after Miami) were memorable – and give her motivation to come back again and try again in 2025.

“I love this city so much; I love the crowd, and, yeah, [this is] one of the good tournaments,” she added. “Unfortunately, the draw is really, really tough here. But, yeah, it is what it is. It’s tennis, and hopefully maybe I can come back next year and have a better draw and run in this city.”

Added Collins: “Ons is a tricky player, and she was coming up with a lot of great stuff. At times [Jabeur was] back to playing at the highest level. So she was really challenging me.”

Collins and Stephens have met just once previously, with Collins winning in San Jose 2021 on her way to the title there.

“[I’m] just looking forward to going out and battling against my long-time friend,” Danielle said. “I’ve known Sloane since we were like eight or nine years old… so it’s crazy that we’re both playing on the biggest stage here.”

No.7 seed Elina Svitolina also won her second-round match, charging the net a handful of times in a 6-2 6-4 win over Daria Saville. She’ll face Elise Mertens later Thursday afternoon, the Belgian having beaten Varvara Gracheva 6-4 3-6 6-2.

Keeps. On. Winning. 👐

🇺🇸 Danielle Collins wins her 9th consecutive match (18th of the year) to defeat defending champion Jabeur 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 at the #CharlestonOpen!

Next up: Sloane Stephens in Round 3 ✨ pic.twitter.com/MJi15Pqt3X

— Credit One Charleston Open (@CharlestonOpen) April 4, 2024

Players in this article

Danielle Collins

Sloane Stephens