Martina Navratilova and Danielle Collins have found common ground in the unlikeliest of places! In the high-stakes world of tennis, where rivals often become frenemies, solidarity among players, especially from different generations, is a rare occurrence. However, defying all odds, Collins has made it clear that the next time she meets with Navratilova, both of them must have a “friendship bracelet.” After all, they belong to the same fandom in the music industry. And when someone tries to attack their idol, the duo shows their best doubles game!
After an intense fight on the grass against Clara Tauson, winner Danielle Collins appeared for a post-match interview with the Tennis Channel. Welcoming her with open arms, there was former World No. 1 Martina Navratilova along with the host. However, after discussing the match, the host asked Collins, “You were talking to Martina about Taylor Swift?” At once, the 30-year-old player jumped into the conversation, declaring, “I’m a Swiftie. I’m a die-hard [fan].”
Then she looked at the 67-year-old former player and vehemently added, “Obviously you are too, I didn’t know well. Do you have a friendship bracelet?” Navratilova, who admitted that she has never had the opportunity to be at her concert, also enthusiastically chimed in and said, “I have been following her obviously and the impact that she has on everybody.” There’s hardly anything as exciting as bonding over music and a common favorite singer!
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And when it’s Taylor Swift, the American pop star who has redefined the pop culture songwriting era and has gifted fans with hundreds of songs in the past two decades, a fan can hardly contain their excitement when they find another Swiftie! Nevertheless, both tennis stars are well aware of the criticism that a celebrity faces in an industry, be it tennis or music, the challenges are rarely distinct.
Therefore, when Navratilova opened up about a Newsweek magazine story where “The guy was like giving her hard time that she is not a good role model because she is not married with children. I mean like really, would you say that to a man?” she decided what every fan or a feminist would do for his “misogynistic” comments! Navratilova, who considers Swift to be a great role model, protested and said, “So I gave it to him.” But wait, she is not the only one defending her music idol! Danielle Collins, overwhelmed with emotions and rage, also added, “I might give him a little more. I’ll tell you that I don’t think I can say what I want to say on TV.”
Danimal, who has herself faced misogynistic questions regarding her reasons for retirement, is no stranger to such strange comments. And at last, she let her frustration out and once said in an interview, “I feel like if I was a guy, I probably wouldn’t have to justify it that much.” Therefore, when it comes to defending Taylor Swift, Collins knows how to tackle hecklers! After all, she shares the same “Female Rage” as Taylor Swift herself!
When Danielle Collins entered the Italian Open semifinals this season, her thrill and excitement knew no bounds! And she wanted to celebrate this special moment with all of her followers on Instagram. Therefore, Collins, a Swiftie, took to social media and posted her picture with the caption, “Female Rage (Danimal Edition).”
Echoing the sentiments of her fans worldwide, she put up another video captioned, “My Rock and Roll tennis era.” Both reflected the dramatic scenario that unfolded on clay the day before. However, along with that, it had the touch of her favorite musician’s trademarked term, “Female Rage: The Musical.” Not only that, her next story mimicked Swift’s “Eras” tour that she had! And by using the reference, she expressed her dominance on clay. As both Martina Navratilova and Danielle Collins continue their friendship, one thing is clear: They are indeed hard-core Swifties!
