World No. 9 Danielle Collins has decided to delay her retirement from tennis until the end of the 2025 season. The 30-year-old player had initially planned to retire at the end of 2024 but has now chosen to continue playing on the WTA Tour.
Collins revealed that she has been seeking advice regarding her “personal fertility journey” since her last match, which was a loss to Australian qualifier Olivia Gadecki at the Guadalajara Open in Mexico. In a statement posted on Instagram, she explained that she has been consulting specialists to understand the best path forward in starting a family while managing her endometriosis, which can affect fertility.
Despite facing challenges related to endometriosis and fertility, Collins expressed confidence in the team she is working with and shared that the process will take longer than expected. She assured her fans that her tennis journey is not over yet, stating, “So, the DANIMAL story has not reached its conclusion. I will be back on tour in 2025.”
Following her quarterfinal appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and subsequent losses, Collins admitted that distractions in her personal life were affecting her performance on the court. Despite encountering challenges, she remains determined to continue her tennis career.
Currently, Collins is part of the U.S. squad for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain, scheduled from November 13 to 20.
GO DEEPER
Danielle Collins is on fire. She’s quitting tennis at the end of the year anyway.
Analysis: How will Collins manage her unexpected return?
Analysis from tennis writer Charlie Eccleshare
Collins’ decision to continue playing tennis after previously planning retirement has raised questions about her future motivation and performance. The unexpected turn of events will be intriguing to observe in the coming year, especially considering her past success and challenges.
While reflecting on Collins’ journey, her openness about her fertility struggles has been commendable and inspiring to many. The tennis community and beyond are hopeful that she can maintain her health and find the drive to overcome obstacles that may come her way.
(Top photo: Shi Tang / Getty Images)