Danielle Collins and Madison Keys to Clash in Strasbourg Final, Friendship Intact
Danielle Collins and Madison Keys, two American tennis stars, will face off in the final of the Internationaux de Strasbourg on Saturday. Their friendship, which began nearly two decades ago, has stood the test of time.
Collins and Keys first met as 10-year-olds at the Evert Tennis Academy in Florida. Despite living on opposite ends of the state, they became pen pals, exchanging letters that fostered a bond that continues to this day.
"Our moms are both from Iowa, so they bonded over that at the junior tournaments," Collins revealed. "I've known Maddie a long time, and [she's] a good friend. I'm excited to play her here and have some fun tomorrow."
The two have played twice before as professionals, each winning once. However, their last encounter was four years ago. This match holds significance for both players: Keys will be playing in her first red clay final since 2016, while Collins is seeking her third title in the last two months.
Neither player has lost a set in the tournament so far. A victory for either would make them the first American champion at Strasbourg since Jennifer Capriati in 1999.
Tags: #DanielleCollins, #MadisonKeys, #StrasbourgFinal, #AmericanTennis, #PenPals
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