Miami Open: Danielle Collins Adds New Twist to Her Retirement Plans While Assuring Future Appearance at Hard Rock Stadium

Earlier this year, American tennis star, Danielle Collins announced that this could probably be her last season on the Tour. She won the NCAA singles title twice (2014 & 2016) before earning the 7th spot in the women’s singles ranking in 2022. However, she had to fight a lot of battles outside the court as well to keep her show running on the court. Although she admitted her health problems didn’t play a factor in her decision to retire, her fans were quite disappointed with her retirement news.

However, the 30-year-old tennis star recently gave an interview to Tennis Channel after defeating her compatriot Bernarda Pera in the first round of the Miami Open. During the interview, it seemed as if she was trying to express that her retirement plan hadn’t sunk in for her at the moment. Will she appear in Miami yet again in the upcoming years?

“Playing here is always special” – Danielle Collins after his recent win in Miami

After her second-round exit from the 2024 AO, she stated, “This is going to be my last season, actually, competing. I don’t really know exactly when, but this will be my last season and I’m really looking forward to that.” The 30YO has suffered from multiple health issues over the last few years. Will this be her last trip here, does Collins look at these last few events a little differently now?

Here’s what she replied. “No, I mean, I don’t know I guess I’m taking it in. But you know I felt I’m just so caught up in my day-to-day. And like trying to prepare, practise and train. And guess it hasn’t really sunk in that much. I mean this is one of my home tournaments since I’m from Florida and playing here is always special,” Danielle Collins.

She further went on to add, that it’ll definitely be a tournament that she misses coming to but she added, “I can always like come as a spectator or fan and support my friends”.

Her health issues began in 2019 when she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. Then two years later, she underwent emergency surgery to treat endometriosis. Describing those horrifying moments she once stated, “I’m also someone that has dealt with a lot of physical struggles and that has not been easy.” Although she overcame all the challenges that came her way.

But she feels, “Had I not had the surgery, I just couldn’t keep living my life like that, The agony that I experienced from my menstrual cycles and from the endometriosis is some of the worst pain I’ve ever had.” What did Danille Collins think about her journey so far and what has she been planning for the future?

“I’m ready for the next chapter” – Collins

Once during an interview, Danielle Collins revealed, “I do think those big wins are things that you probably look back on when you get older and you think very fondly of.” She thinks when she’ll get older she’ll definitely look back on those matches and have fond memories. But traveling frequently during the Tour has been a major challenge for her at times.

She explained, “I certainly love my job and it’s been a rollercoaster of fun and emotion. And there are also times that aren’t as fun. But just like with anything, you have that. At this point, I feel like I’m ready for the next chapter, and I’m really excited about it.” But what is Danielle Collins’ next chapter? She believes she needed to have an end date to give her family, and friends a chance to see her and support her in some of her final tournaments. 

Danielle Collins revealed that she now looks forward to doing something away from the sport. But she doesn’t know what it’s exactly. Something away from constant fame and public attention perhaps. Share your thoughts on her incredible journey in her tennis career.

READ MORE: What Is Danielle Collins’ Retirement Plan? Her Indian Wells Confession Could Turn out Great For American Tennis