Rising American tennis star Peyton Stearns recently opened up about the invaluable support she has received from fellow players on the WTA Tour. When asked where she turns for advice during challenging times, Stearns warmly recalled a particularly encouraging interaction with compatriot Danielle Collins.
She highlighted a memorable moment at Indian Wells last year, when Collins, a seasoned and highly respected player, took the time to offer her some words of encouragement during a difficult stretch.
At the time, Stearns was struggling to find her footing early in the season and was feeling the mental toll of a string of tough losses. Collins' advice provided exactly the reassurance she needed.
"Yes, I've chatted with a few other American tennis players, and they've helped out big time. Last year at Indian Wells, Danielle Collins came over and gave me some encouragement,' said Peyton in a candid interview.
"I wasn't having the best start to the year, and she said, "Your career is long and just starting. You're going to have highs and lows, and you just have to ride them out. Don't get disheartened because you're having a bad couple of months. Tennis can change so quickly. You can go from a losing streak to a winning streak. Just keep going," said Stearns recalling the chat. "It helped me get out of the mental hole I was in," she added.
For a young athlete navigating the often unpredictable and demanding world of professional tennis, Collins' words served as a vital reminder that persistence and patience are key. A similar instance came to light recently involving Canadian Bianca Andreescu.
Very similar to Collin's mentorship, Bianca recently reached out to young Filipina player Alexandra Eala with a thoughtful gesture of support. Andreescu approached Eala and assured her that she would be there if she needed anything as she navigates her early days on the professional circuit.
Andreescu revealed that when she first joined the tour, she struggled with loneliness and the lack of friendliness from her peers. Determined to ensure that others do not face the same challenges, she made it a point to extend a helping hand to Eala.
Bianca Andreescu reached out to Alex Eala to congratulate her & offer her support:
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) April 23, 2025
"I want to be honest I didn't have anybody reach out to me. Nobody was friendly with me on the tour, no one would say hi to me & I told myself, I don't want the next generation to feel that way." pic.twitter.com/oJiLrAPFfE
Stearns' experience underscores the importance of mentorship and camaraderie among players on the tour. In a sport often perceived as intensely individualistic, moments of solidarity and encouragement can make all the difference.
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This story was originally published April 26, 2025 at 2:31 AM