After her recent triumphs, Danielle Collins has become a household name in America. After announcing her sudden decision to retire at the end of the year the American superstar has gone ahead to clinch 2 major titles within just a couple of weeks in front of her home crowd. However, coming into the European clay season, here’s when things start to get a little tough. Playing in the Madrid Open, she hopes to emulate the same success that she got in the United States.

But, her opponent in the first round, Olga Danilovic will make sure not to make things easy for Danielle Collins. That being said, the question that everyone wants to know is who her opponent in the first round of the Madrid Open is. Let’s take a look at it.

Nina Danilovic is an upcoming Russian prodigy who has made her way up the ranks in the WTA. She is currently under the guidance of coaches Roberto Ortega and Salvador Navarro. They have been the ones who have carved her skills and drills in the tennis world. Not only this, she is also mentored by Pepo Clavet, a former Spanish player.

 

Her love for sports is all because of her parents who have already been in the industry for a long time. Her father, Predrag Danilovic, was a professional Serbian basketball player. After he retired from the sport, he decided to remain in touch with the game that gave him almost everything as he became the President of the Serbian Basketball Federation.  On the other hand, her mother, Svetlana, is a sports journalist for a radio broadcaster in Serbia.

Right from the start, Olga has her priorities set, she wants to establish her name for herself and continue to do what she loves. In an interview a few years back, she said, “I want to enjoy tennis, I love what I do, and would like the passion to continue in the future. Of course, I aim to play as well as possible and hope for my tennis level to increase so that I can participate in the best tournaments. My ultimate goal is to make a name for myself in the sport by climbing at the top of the ranking list.”

Despite being just 23, she has had quite the career right from the start that one could look up to. Her debut in the Fed Cup in 2018 was nothing short of sensational, clinching the Fed Cup Heart Award and donating her prize to the University Children’s Hospital in Belgrade. From the tender age of six, she started playing tennis and has a sweet spot for hard surfaces. Beyond the court, she also enjoys her time running and collaborated on the NikeShield Technology clothing line in Serbia in 2019.

However, what might now know is that she has a huge fan following for the Serian ace Novak Djokovic and has been open when it comes to supporting her idol.

Olga Danilovic considers Novak Djokovic her idol

The  2 Serbian athletes paired up earlier this year for the United Cup that starts in January. Having played with her idol, she called it a dream come true moment for her and stated that she just completed one of the biggest checklists of her career.

“I think it was one of the best moments in my career. When he did the volley, when the match was finished, so many emotions through me. Just feeling proud of myself, how I hung in doubles. It’s not easy. It’s my first time playing mixed, first time with Novak. As I said on court, bucket list done (smiling),” Danilovic said in the interview.

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Thus, Olga Dnilovic, who is all set to face Danielle Collins is a rising Serbian star who is yet to make her mark on the professional circuit. While she hopes to emulate the likes of her idol Djokovic, she will be looking to make her way as far as she can in the ongoing Madrid Open. What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments below!