INDIAN WELLS — The professional tennis tour is known for its fierce rivalries and intense competition, but this week at the BNP Paribas Open, a different kind of matchmaking is taking center stage. American star Danielle Collins, who is in the midst of a career-best final season, has become the subject of a hilarious and heartwarming campaign led by her fellow players to help her "find a husband."
The movement began when Collins, the 2022 Australian Open finalist, revealed in a press conference that one of her goals for her final year on tour was to settle down and start a family. The 30-year-old's candid comments resonated with fans and, more importantly, with her colleagues on the WTA Tour, who have since taken it upon themselves to play cupid for the popular player.
The Application Form Goes Viral
The effort escalated dramatically when fellow American player Sofia Kenin shared a screenshot of a Google Form on her Instagram Story. The form, titled "Husband Application for Danielle Collins," quickly went viral, circulating through the player locker rooms and on social media. The application is a detailed, multi-page document designed to vet potential suitors for the tennis star with a mix of sincerity and humor.
Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, captioned her post, "We are trying to help her out." She wasn't alone in her efforts. Top players like Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka have also publicly endorsed the campaign, with Sabalenka joking in her own press conference, "If you know any good men, send them her way!"
Inside the "Husband Application"
The application form itself is a masterpiece of modern matchmaking. It begins with standard biographical questions but quickly delves into more personality-driven and tennis-specific inquiries. The form is comprehensive, covering everything from a potential partner's life goals to their tolerance for the demanding travel schedule of a professional athlete.
Some of the standout sections and questions from the application include:
- Lifestyle & Values: Inquiries about family goals, personal values, and willingness to live a "tennis-adjacent" life.
- Tennis Knowledge: A section asking applicants to rate their tennis fandom and knowledge of Collins' career achievements.
- The "Danielle" Test: Quirky questions like, "What's your go-to method for cheering Danielle up after a tough loss?"
The form also includes a mandatory video submission requirement, where applicants must introduce themselves and explain why they would be a good match. A disclaimer at the end notes that all applications will be "reviewed by a committee of Danielle's closest friends on tour."
Collins' Amused and Grateful Reaction
For her part, Danielle Collins has taken the entire situation in stride, displaying the same fierce and fun-loving personality that has made her a fan favorite. When asked about the viral husband hunt, she laughed and expressed her gratitude for her fellow players' support. "It's been hilarious," she said with a smile.
She elaborated on her original comments that sparked the frenzy, telling reporters, "I've been so focused on my career for so long, and it's been an incredible journey. But I'm also looking forward to the next chapter. I want to be a mom, I want to have a family. It's nice to have the support of the other women on tour who understand that balance."
A Supportive WTA Community
This lighthearted campaign highlights the strong sense of community and camaraderie that exists among the players on the WTA Tour, often overshadowed by the narrative of competition. In a sport where athletes spend more time with each other than with their own families, bonds of friendship are frequently formed.
The initiative to help Collins find a partner is a testament to these relationships. It shows that beyond the baseline battles, the players genuinely care about each other's personal happiness and well-being. This supportive environment has been a hallmark of Collins' final season, which she has dubbed her "Danielle Collins Final Season Tour."
A Stellar Final Season on Court
Amidst the husband hunt, Collins' on-court performance has been nothing short of spectacular. She is playing some of the best tennis of her career, recently capturing the biggest title of her life at the WTA 1000 event in Miami, a victory she called "a dream come true."
Her powerful groundstrokes and trademark fighting spirit have been on full display, making her a threat at every tournament she enters. This successful run has only amplified the spotlight on her personal campaign to find a life partner, creating a unique and uplifting storyline in the world of sports.
What's Next for the Search?
As for the husband application, Collins confirmed that the form has, in fact, received thousands of submissions from around the globe. "My friends are having a great time going through them," she admitted. "There are some real characters out there, that's for sure."
While she remains focused on her tennis goals for the remainder of the year, she hasn't ruled out the possibility that the form could yield a genuine connection. "You never know where you're going to meet someone," she mused.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Joke
What began as a playful joke among teammates has evolved into a cultural moment that transcends tennis. It showcases Danielle Collins not just as a formidable athlete, but as a multidimensional person with dreams that extend beyond the court. The viral husband hunt, while humorous, is rooted in a genuine desire for companionship and a fulfilling life after professional sports.
It also serves as a powerful reminder of the supportive network of women who champion each other's successes in all facets of life. As Collins continues her triumphant final season, she does so with the knowledge that she has a whole tour behind her, both in her quest for more titles and in her search for a partner to share her next chapter with.
In the end, the story of the "Husband Application for Danielle Collins" is one of friendship, support, and the joyful intersection of professional ambition and personal hope. As one fan aptly put it on social media, "This is the wholesome content we needed."