Danielle Collins is facing trouble keeping up with her season-opening Slam commitments at the Australian Open. Having arrived on the back of a second United Cup win alongside Team USA, the American star jetted to Melbourne and recorded a noteworthy start to her singles campaign by beating Daria Snigur of Ukraine in straight sets by 7-6, 6-3 in the opening round. However, the subsequent round has marred her with physical difficulties.

Collins locked horns with home favourite Destanee Aiava at the Show Court Arena, two days after she dominated Snigur at Melbourne Park. Despite furnishing a successful start to the contest by clinching the opening set, Collins was unable to maintain her rhythm against the Aussie player in the second set. When the chips were down, the 31-year-old shocked everyone by requesting a medical timeout (MTO) right when her rival was due to serve for the set at 5-2.

From what it looked like based on the visuals, Collins was struggling with an issue in her right foot and even took some medications to counter it.

Collins didn’t have any injury concerns coming into the Australian Open. The American sensation remained sidelined and didn’t feature in the United Cup for her season-opening appearance. But that was quite natural, as Coco Gauff was the first-choice singles player for Team USA.

Despite not playing any match at the United Cup, Collins was, however, still under the spotlight because of the cold handshake she offered to the former World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. It was an extension of the feud that unfolded between the two players at the Paris Olympics last year.

The American star squared off against Polish Iga Swiatek in the singles quarterfinals and had to bow out mid-match due to an injury. Later in the post-match interview, Collins accused Swiatek of being “insincere” about her injury. The two players didn’t seem to have moved on when they met ahead of the United Cup final.

However, Collins later expressed her willingness to bury the hatchet during a conversation with CANAL+. “Hopefully, we can move on from it & be good competitors & good people,” she said.

For those unaware, Collins reversed her retirement plans and returned to the sport for another blockbuster season this year. While many question the move, the 31-year-old expressed ‘discomfort’ expressing her reasons time and again for the community.

Danielle Collins issues strong “privacy” statement following R1 Australian Open victory

At the beginning of 2024, American superstar Danielle Collins announced that the aforementioned season would account for her final year on the tour as she wanted to focus on her personal life and start a family. Amid medical concerns and an endometriosis diagnosis, the 31-year-old found it best to put a full stop to her professional career. However, she took a sharp U-turn later, confirming that she’ll stay longer, as her family planning was delayed by a medical condition called endometriosis.

However, the World No. 7 wasn’t pleased with the constant inquiry about the change in her decision. To address the subject, she took to her social media and stated that she didn’t want anyone speculating about her health status. “I will continue to take things one step at a time. Many people have kindly offered advice to me in regards to different fertility suggestions, adoption, etc. and while the caring nature around these suggestions are appreciated in many ways, I am asking for privacy and a pause on these discussions as I navigate the next few months.”

For those unaware, Collins enjoyed a splendid outing last year after racking up several title wins to her name. She cliched her third WTA title in Miami and followed that triumph with a back-to-back title finish at the Charleston Open.

For now, fans can only hope that Collins recuses herself from any on-court troubles and tends to her injury scares if she wishes to dig deep in Melbourne. What do you think about Collins’ prospects in the ongoing Australian Open?