On a balmy evening in Miami, where the buzz of the Hard Rock Stadium echoes with the thrill of the ongoing Miami Open, Danielle Collins—a fierce competitor and the defending champion—found herself thrust into a real-life drama far removed from the tennis court. The 31-year-old American tennis star, known for her relentless energy and fiery spirit, became an unexpected hero when she stumbled upon a heartbreaking scene just outside the tournament venue. As she and her team were leaving the stadium late one night, their headlights caught a distressing sight: a dog, curled up and motionless, stranded in the middle of the road after being struck by a car. For Collins, there was no hesitation. “I was like, we have to pull over,” she recounted, her voice tinged with urgency as she later shared the story with a captivated crowd.
What unfolded next was a race against time. Collins and her companions leapt into action, carefully scooping the injured animal from the street and rushing it to a nearby animal hospital. The dog—now affectionately named Crash Marino Collins in a nod to its harrowing ordeal—was in dire straits, its condition deemed critical by veterinarians. Two days later, as Collins stood on the court after a hard-fought third-round victory, the weight of the situation lingered. “He’s been in the hospital now for two days,” she told the audience, her tone a mix of hope and concern. “Right now, he’s in critical condition at the animal hospital.” It’s a moment that revealed a softer side to the player once dubbed a villain by Australian Open crowds—a side fueled by compassion and a deep love for animals.
For Collins, this isn’t just a fleeting act of kindness. She’s already dreaming of a future with Crash, vowing to adopt him and bring him home if he pulls through. “We’re hoping to adopt him and take him home,” she said, her words carrying a quiet determination. It’s a promise that resonates with her fans, who’ve watched her bond with her beloved poodle mix, Quincy, a constant companion she calls her “son” and the MVP of her 2024 Miami triumph. That connection to her pets—Quincy, plus Scout, Lola, and Harper, cared for by her parents—has long been a cornerstone of her life, offering comfort amid the grueling demands of the WTA Tour. Now, with Crash, she’s extending that love to a stranger in need, asking for a little help from the universe. “If everyone can say some prayers for my new pet… his name is Crash, because he was in a car crash,” she pleaded. “Please, guys, send good energy to my little baby.”
This isn’t the first time Collins has worn her heart on her sleeve. After surviving Hurricane Milton’s wrath in Florida last year, she took to social media to express gratitude for her safety and that of Quincy, while mourning the devastation around her. Her empathy for animals shines through again here, a thread that ties her chaotic tennis career to a grounded, caring core. And chaotic it’s been—Collins initially planned to retire at the end of 2024, only to reverse course after a string of successes, including her Miami Open title. Now, in 2025, she’s back defending her crown, balancing the intensity of competition with moments like these that remind everyone she’s more than just a player.
On the court, Collins remains a force. Her latest win, a gritty three-setter against a Swiss qualifier, has propelled her into the fourth round, where she’ll face the world’s top-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka—a formidable foe who’s beaten her in all six of their previous encounters. Yet, even as she prepares for that showdown, her thoughts drift to Crash, fighting for his life miles away. The stakes feel higher this year in Miami, her home state, where she’s already lived out childhood dreams of playing in the tournament her dad once promised she’d attend as a competitor. Last year’s victory over Elena Rybakina cemented her legacy here, but this week, it’s about more than titles—it’s personal.
The tennis world has rallied around her story, with fans and fellow players alike moved by her selflessness. “Send good energy to my little baby,” she urged, and you can bet the Miami crowd will be chanting for more than just her forehand winners in the days ahead. Crash’s fate hangs in the balance, a fragile thread of hope in a tournament packed with drama. For Collins, it’s a reminder of what matters beyond the baseline: the chance to save a life, to build a family, and to show that even in the heat of battle, there’s room for tenderness. As she steps onto the court again, she carries not just her racquet but the weight of a tiny fighter named Crash—and a promise to give him the home he deserves, if only he can hold on.