Martina Navratilova and Danielle Collins have both stepped into analyst roles at the 2026 Miami Open, with a recent on-air moment between them drawing considerable attention. Collins attempted to play a lighthearted prank on Navratilova, as well as fellow commentators Christopher Eubanks and Steve Weissman, but the joke fell flat and left the 18-time Grand Slam champion appearing unimpressed.
How Did Martina Navratilova React to Danielle Collins’ Prank Attempt?
During her appearance on the Tennis Channel desk at the event, Danielle Collins claimed to be related to the late, renowned tennis journalist Bud Collins in an effort to fool her colleagues. She then burst into laughter and came clean, admitting that it was her attempt at an early April Fool’s joke.
“I’m kidding, it’s and early April Fool’s. We’re close to April 1st. I had to get you guys at some point,” Collins said.
Martina Navratilova was far from impressed, deeming the prank to be a “big fail” despite conceding that she had initially been duped.
“That was a big fail. You got me,” Navratilova said.
“I cracked myself up. It was believable for a second,” Collins responded.
While appearing on the Tennis Channel, Danielle Collins also shared her preview for Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff’s blockbuster Miami Open final. She expressed her belief that Gauff possessed the necessary tools to force the World No. 1 into making errors, despite their evenly split 6-6 head-to-head record.
“They have split those matches, but Coco has come up clutch in some of those finals. I think Coco with that game style, she has the capability to make Sabalenka come up with a lot of errors and also, she forces Sabalenka to have to play outside of her strike zone. Which she doesn’t like to do,” Collins said. “Coco is arguably the best mover on tour. It’s gonna be hard for Sabalenka.”
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However, Collins acknowledged that the 22-year-old would need to deliver her very best effort to overcome the “tough” threat posed by Sabalenka.
“Now, Sabalenka is No. 1 in the world, it’s going to be a tough match for Coco. She’s gonna have to play her game. She’s gonna have to serve well, return well, do all the things, but she is certainly capable of doing that, with what we have seen out here this week from her,” she added.
There is plenty at stake in the highly anticipated final at the WTA 1000 event, as Sabalenka is chasing the coveted Sunshine Double after her triumph in Indian Wells, while Gauff is aiming to win her home tournament for the first time in her career.
