Danielle Collins got ahead of herself in a big way at the Australian Open on Wednesday when the American was left red-faced due to a rule book misunderstanding.
Last year's runner-up in Melbourne came back from a set down to beat Karolina Muchova in the second round, where a tiebreak decider was needed to separate the two. In many tennis competitions, the first player to reach seven by a clear margin of two points would usually be declared the victor.
Clearly under the impression that was the case in Melbourne, Collins dropped her racquet to the floor and pointed to the sky after moving 7-3 up in the decisive set's tiebreak. However, it was only seconds later that the penny dropped and reality set in.
What's the funniest moment so far at the 2023 Australian Open? Let us know in the comments section.
"Collins thinks she's won it," remarked the commentator as the on-court umpire shouted to inform her: "Danielle! Ten points!" An incredulous look came across the Floridian's face as she moved courtside to have the rule explained to her.
The interruption appeared to have some effect in destabilising the star, too, as Muchova went on to win three of the next four tiebreak points. However, Collins rediscovered her rhythm to put the finishing touches on a 6-7(1), 6-2, 7-6(6) win.
"I was a little embarrassed," said Collins during her post-match interview. "I guess I just never had to play a tiebreak in the third set of a Grand Slam before.
"I really thought the match was over. I told myself, 'At least you didn't face plant on the floor.' I had to keep things in perspective. . .I am not really good with the score, sometimes I forget. So maybe I have to work on that a little bit."
The competition is set to move up several gears in the third round as she takes on reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the third round. Kazakh contender Rybakina is yet to drop a set thus far in Melbourne, while Collins has been forced to play three in each of her outings to date.
It was only a defeat to now-retired Ashleigh Barty that prevented Collins from clinching her maiden major in Australia last year in what remains her career-best run at a Grand Slam. Suffice to say she'll be sure to research the rules more thoroughly in future, even if the crowd did love every second of her slip-up.
