Danielle Collins, known for her fierce tennis style, announces her retirement from the sport after the 2024 season, citing a desire for a new chapter and starting a family.
Bollywood Fever: Danielle Collins, one of the most electrifying players on the WTA Tour, understands that fans want to see her continue her high-energy tennis, but the American star has made it clear that she is ready to move on from the sport.
Nicknamed ‘Danimal’ for her aggressive play and emphatic roars of “Come on!” after big points, Collins exited the U.S. Open in the first round on Tuesday, marking what she has said will be her final season.
At 30 years old, Collins cited several reasons for hanging up her racket, including her desire to start a family and the weariness of being on the road for 40 weeks a year.
“Everybody has been so encouraging, and it’s a compliment that people want to see me play more,” she shared after her 1-6, 7-5, 6-4 loss to fellow American Caroline Dolehide. “But at the same time, I’m just kind of ready for that next chapter. The journey has been great.”
Despite her magnetic presence on the court and a powerful game that has drawn widespread attention, Collins, who remains in the doubles draw, chose to forgo a public farewell at Flushing Meadows.
“I had requested not to have any presentation on the court… I’m not great, honestly, at having an all-about-me moment,” she admitted. “I would prefer to do something like that maybe in private. But I feel like I’ve gotten enough attention to last a lifetime.”
Collins, a standout at the University of Virginia, went on to win four WTA titles, including this year’s Miami Open.
She reached the final of the 2022 Australian Open and achieved a career-high world ranking of number seven later that year.
The Florida native, who revealed in 2019 that she was battling rheumatoid arthritis, reflected on her career with no regrets.
“We dedicate our whole lives to the sport, to the travel, and you give up a lot of life experiences for your career,” she said. “It was a sacrifice I think that paid off, and I’m happy that I did it. But yeah, looking forward to other things that I’ll get to be able to participate in that I haven’t.”
Also Read Latest Sports News, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Embrace Complex Offensive Scheme Ahead of 2024 Season
Kansas City Chiefs Cut Multiple Offensive Players Ahead of 53-Man Roster Deadline