Danielle Collins is back on the tennis court, and her journey is both inspiring and emotional. After announcing her retirement to focus on starting a family, she recently revealed her decision to return for the 2025 season. Known fondly as “Danimal,” her fans are elated to have her back in action. But it looks like the reasons behind her choice are bittersweet.

On October 18th, Collins shared on Instagram that she is continuing her tennis career while dealing with complications from endometriosis, which can impact fertility. Critics questioned her openness about these challenges, but they might have missed the emotional weight of her situation. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Collins expressed, “Definitely some mixed emotions.”

She described the difficulty of navigating medical appointments and processing the information she received, “Going through all of those appointments… it’s been hard at times.” Despite these struggles, Collins remains resilient. Reflecting on her situation, she acknowledged her privilege, “While I was going through that process, I was also thinking how lucky am I that I have the option to be able to have a career to fall back on.”

Throughout her tennis career, Collins has achieved significant milestones in her career. She reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 7 in July 2022 and made headlines by reaching the final of the 2022 Australian Open. This year, she won the prestigious Miami Open, becoming the lowest-ranked woman ever to claim this title, and also clinched the Charleston Open title.

“I couldn’t imagine not having gone through those appointments and understanding the challenges that might come along with this experience and then not having my career,” She added. Her journey showcases not just her talent but also her strength in facing adversity. And she’s grateful for every step of it.

As fans buzz about Collins’ comeback, many are curious about her end-of-season plans. Despite the challenges she faces, she can find solace in the fact that her tennis journey is far from over. Additionally, Collins is gearing up for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, where her competitive spirit will shine once again.

Danielle set to make an appearance at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals

With Coco Gauff sidelined, Danielle Collins steps up as the highest-ranked American on the Billie Jean King Cup team. She prepares to join a talented roster that includes Peyton Stearns, Ashlyn Krueger, Taylor Townsend, and Caroline Dolehide. Under the guidance of Lindsay Davenport, this team is ready for action.

Their first challenge is a showdown against Slovakia on November 14, with the winner advancing to face Australia in the quarterfinals. When speaking about this opportunity, Collins reflects on her motivation, saying, “For me, my most memorable weeks are in the Billie Jean King Cup and being able to represent my country.”

She speaks about the strong bond within the American tennis team, crediting former captain Kathy Rinaldi for fostering a unique culture. “We have a really special group,” Collins says, emphasizing how Rinaldi’s leadership helped build camaraderie among the players. “I feel like that’s been a huge product of Kathy Rinaldi and building a strong culture around American tennis.” This sense of community has not gone unnoticed and Collins shares that fellow players often express admiration for their team dynamic.

Reflecting on her past experiences, Collins has made significant contributions in the Billie Jean King Cup, boasting an impressive 7-1 record in singles matches. She recalls the excitement of competing in this prestigious event. “I can’t tell you how many players have come up to me in the locker rooms talking about our team,” she adds. Her decision to continue competing after overcoming health struggles opens up new possibilities, but it raises questions about balancing her tennis career with her off-court aspirations.

As she looks ahead to potentially leading the team as captain one day, she expresses a desire to mentor younger players, “I have tried to make myself available for any of the up-and-coming girls.” It looks like Collins is ready to pursue her goals and inspire others along the way.