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Danielle Collins Announces Retirement: Bidding Farewell to Pro Tennis
Tennis sensation Danielle Collins calls it quits after the 2024 season. Discover her decision to embrace a more ordinary life, away from the pressures of constant travel and public scrutiny.
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American tennis player Danielle Collins has shared her decision to retire from professional tennis at the end of this season, expressing a desire for a more ordinary life without the constant travel demands and public scrutiny associated with the sport.
Following her second-round loss to world no. 1 Iga Swiatek at last month’s Australian Open, the 30-year-old Collins announced that the 2024 WTA Tour season would mark her final year on tour. Speaking in Abu Dhabi after an opening-round, straight-sets win against Naomi Osaka, she explained her decision.
“I decided earlier this year around the holidays that this would be my last season. I’m feeling really happy about it and looking forward to it,” Collins shared with the WTA website.
Reflecting on her tennis career, Danielle Collins acknowledged that compared to some players, her time on tour hasn’t been extensive, as she opted for the college route and started on tour at 22. She expressed a mix of feelings, stating, “In some ways, it seems like it was just yesterday when I started playing, and in other ways, it seems like I’ve been out here for an eternity.”
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Highlighting the challenges posed by the travel component, especially for someone used to stable home life, Collins emphasized her love for the sport, describing it as a rollercoaster of fun emotions with its share of less enjoyable moments. Now, she feels ready for the next chapter and is excited about it. Setting an end date allows her family and friends to support her in the final tournaments, making it a special experience.
Collins, who turned pro in 2016, faced health challenges, including being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis three years later and undergoing emergency surgery for endometriosis in 2021. However, she clarified that her health problems did not influence her decision to retire. She highlighted that she has reached a point where she can manage her health well, take care of her body, and navigate through challenges. Feeling ready for something new, Collins is eager to embrace the next stage of life.
Approaching the current season with her customary dedication, Collins is determined to enhance her ranking from 71 and navigate challenging draws. Her upcoming second-round match in Abu Dhabi against Elena Rybakina marks her fourth consecutive main-draw encounter with a Grand Slam champion.
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Despite having the option to skip tournaments and focus solely on the US swing or prepare for the French Open, Collins expressed her eagerness to participate, emphasizing her commitment to gaining more match experience. While acknowledging that her retirement is on the horizon this year, she clarified that it is not an immediate conclusion.
Regarding her post-retirement plans, Collins remains tight-lipped, but she ruled out the possibility of managing other athletes when questioned during her press conference. Speculating on her future, she hinted at exploring opportunities outside of sports and anticipates a period of stepping away from the public eye to cherish the aspects of her normal life that she values.
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