American tennis star Danielle Collins has announced a surprising change in her career trajectory: she will postpone her retirement and return to the WTA Tour in 2025. The decision comes after Collins initially planned to retire at the end of the 2024 season due to ongoing health issues, including rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis, which have significantly impacted her performance.
Collins, 30, revealed her plans during a recent statement, expressing enthusiasm about continuing her professional journey. “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,” she stated.
The decision marks a remarkable turnaround for Collins, who faced a challenging season. After suffering an opening round loss at the US Open, her home tournament, she experienced similar setbacks at three other tournaments since the Paris Olympics. Despite these difficulties, she showcased resilience by winning back-to-back titles at the Miami Open and the Charleston Open in March and April, climbing back into the world’s top 10 after falling as low as No. 71 in February.
Collins last competed at the Guadalajara Open in September and has been named to represent the USA in the upcoming United Cup, starting on December 27. Her commitment to the team highlights her determination to continue competing at a high level despite her health challenges.
In her candid reflections on her health journey, Collins emphasized the complexities of dealing with endometriosis and fertility issues that many women face. She stated, “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.”
Collins had previously prepared for a farewell ceremony at the US Open but ultimately walked off the court, indicating that she still had more to accomplish in her tennis career. The athlete's humor shone through as she joked about her first-round loss, referencing Ben Stiller’s character from "Meet the Parents," "I didn’t want to be like Greg Focker."
As Collins gears up for her return, she aims to build on her recent successes while navigating personal health challenges. Her decision to postpone retirement not only revives her competitive spirit but also resonates with many who have followed her journey through adversity.
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