Danielle Collins‘ life has taken a major hit this year. Back in January, the American tennis star stunned the tennis community while revealing that 2024 would be her final season as she wanted to start her family. Instead of hanging her up racket, she’s now going to continue her run on the court in 2025, as she confirmed it on October 16th. Well, her decision has earned Collins some great words of admiration from a former American ATP legend.

In mid October, the 30-year-old American revealed on Instagram that she’s been absent from the spotlight recently due to hurricanes in Florida and health concerns that required specialist attention. “Dealing with endometriosis and fertility is a massive challenge for many women and something that I am actively traversing, but I am fully confident in the team I am working with. It is just going to take longer than I thought,” she said. “So, the DANIMAL story has not reached its conclusion. I will be back on tour in 2025.”

Ex-pro Jimmy Connors believes Danielle’s still got a lot to achieve in the sport. While talking in an episode of his Advantage Connors podcast, dated November 8th, Connors said, “I kind of got a feeling that she’s got some unfinished business in tennis.” Collins had to plan her retirement due to endometriosis, a condition which can affect fertility. Commenting on the same, Jimmy said that it’s really brave of “her to come back and to, you know, still want to go at it and work hard like that. And, you know, obviously she knows what it takes to get to the top of the game.”

He expressed genuine happiness over Collins’ stance to keep playing instead of saying that she’s had enough. He said, “I’m glad she’s feeling good, that she’s healthy, and she wants to come and give it another go. I will be looking forward to watch her play.” While Danielle is set to come back next year, her professional journey hasn’t been smooth this season. Apart from endometriosis, she’s also suffered from injuries, forcing her to stay away from action for a long period. But all’s not lost just yet!

Danielle Collins looking to get back to form in the BJK Finals

The first half of the year really proved to be amazing for the American player. The former World No.7 went on to clinch titles at the Miami Open and Charleston Masters. She even reached the semis of the Italian Open. Her solid run continued at the Olympics as well after she managed to reach the QF round in Paris. However, Danielle couldn’t keep up the momentum going as she was ousted from the US Open in the first round. Meanwhile, she had to withdraw from several events, as in Canadian and Cincinnati, due to an abdominal injury.

Guadalajara Open was the last major tournament, in September, where Collins was seen playing. She was eliminated in the R16 against Australia’s Olivia Gadecki, losing the match 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets. Since then, she’s been trying to regain her lost spirits amid the struggles of personal life. Point to note: ‘Collins’ backtrack from retirement’ post followed shortly after a United Cup press release.

Australia included Collins in their United Cup team alongside Coco Gauff. The mixed teams tournament, held in Perth and Sydney from December 27th to January 5th, serves as a warm-up for the Australian Open, which begins on January 12th. Furthermore, the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup will provide her a good opportunity to end this year on a positive note.

Collins will lead the American team, also consisting of Peyton Stearns, Ashlyn Krueger, Taylor Townsend, and Caroline Dolehide. American’s campaign will begin next week against Slovakia on November 14th. It will be crucial for Danielle Collins and her team as the winner will advance further in the QF to face Australia. The event holds a lot of importance for her.

In Collins’ own words, her “most memorable weeks are in the Billie Jean King Cup and being able to represent my country.” In her previous appearances at the BJK, she’s been impressive, with a track record of 7-1 in singles matches. While her decision to keep playing amid challenges is praiseworthy, it will be interesting to see how she’s able to make a balance between her professional and off-court commitments.