'You have to have a thick skin in this sport,' Danielle Collins reveals how challenging it was for her to make a name in tennis coming from a humble background

Developed and played by nobility, tennis is often considered a rich sport, with the cost of equipment and training far exceeding that of other sports. Making a name for oneself in tennis, coming from humble beginnings, is a feat in itself – A feat many modern-day greats have achieved, including Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams. The 2022 Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins also belongs to this list of elites.

Collins’ mother used to be a preschool teacher and her father was a small landscaping contractor. She started playing tennis early but did not expect much from the sport, as she lacked strong financial backing.

She paved her own path through college and credited college tennis for the opportunities and support she got, which helped her make it to the biggest stages of the game. The American won two consecutive titles, including a WTA 1000, at home in the US last month and is a tenacious competitor at the least.

I didn’t come from financial opportunity. My mom was a preschool teacher.. My dad had a small landscaping business. I did not grow up with much. I think in order to have a tennis career you have to have some type of financial support. Not coming from financial opportunity, college gave me a great pathway. Danielle Collins said on ‘Served with Andy Roddick’ podcast

Collins is now playing her last season as a professional tennis player and looks back on her journey, reflecting on the hardships she faced as a player who was not from a very well-to-do family. She prides herself on getting through the tough initial years and says a thick skin is a must to survive in this sport, and that those years of hardship strengthened her.

You have to have a thick skin in this sport, or you’re not gonna make it very far. I needed those years to become tougher. Danielle Collins said

It is in line with what so many other professional players have said and tennis is indeed a harsh sport with a lot of risk and even bigger rewards.