Danielle Collins backtracks on retiring at 30 as world No. 9 opens up on health issue | Tennis | Sport
Danielle Collins has made a U-turn on her decision to retire at the age of 30.
Back in January, the American announced the 2024 season would be her last. She went on to record some of her best results but was adamant she would still end her career at the end of the year.
Collins’ fairytale retirement run stalled when she picked up an injury at the Olympics and she has not played a match in more than a month.
The world No. 9 has now backtracked on retirement as she shared an update on her health conditions and fertility journey.
The four-time title winner has now decided to build on her form as she opened up on her “health challenges” in a statement.
Collins has endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis, which heavily influenced her decision to retire at the age of 30 so she could start a family. But she is waiting until she knows more about her “fertility journey” to step away from the sport.
Taking to Instagram, the Miami Open champion wrote: “Hi everyone, I’ve been a little MIA the last few weeks so I want to give everyone an update.
“It’s been a stressful time with these horrific hurricanes that wiped through Florida, and on top of it I’ve been dealing with some issues around my endometriosis and other health challenges.
“While I was very excited and eager to wrap up my tennis career on a high note this year and jump headfirst into my next chapter of life, things have not gone as planned.”
Since straining her abdomen at the Olympics, Collins has gone on a four-match losing streak and pulled out of several tournaments. On top of her physical setbacks, the 30-year-old also received more information about her hopes of starting a family.
She continued: “In addition to managing some lingering health challenges the past few months, I’ve recently been seeing a handful of specialists to better understand what my best path forward is to achieve my ultimate dream, starting a family.
“Dealing with endometriosis and fertility is a massive challenge for many women and something that I am actively traversing, but I am fully confident in the team I am working with. It is just going to take longer than I thought.
“So, the DANIMAL story has not reached its conclusion. I will be back on tour in 2025.
“While there are no guarantees in life, I hope to build on my 2024 momentum and keep playing until there is more certainty around my personal fertility journey. The only guarantee for now will be some more epic matches.”
The world No. 9 also sent a touching message to her supporters. “Thank you to all of my fans and the amazing people behind me that have been so encouraging during this time and also to my closest friends on tour that have been supporting me every step of the way,” she concluded.
Collins has been named in America’s squad for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals next month. It remains to be seen whether she’s ready in time to represent her country but fans will be safe in the knowledge that they can still see her in action next year.
