Who doesn’t love to watch blockbuster shows? Talking about shows, Danielle Collins’ 2024 season has been nothing short of a fairytale! She announced retirement came shortly after her second-round loss to Iga Swiatek at the 2024 Australian Open, but little did she know what lay ahead. Collins became a completely different player since and clinched two titles on a trot. Her incredible rise has suddenly made the fans wonder, ‘Wish we could have seen more of her!‘ Now Jimmy Arias might have some good news for all those fans!

The 59-year-old former ATP pro is a close friend of Danielle Collins and he has also been her mentor. The semifinalist of the 1984 Summer Olympics is currently busy covering the event this year. While having a conversation about whether he persuaded Collins not to retire after this year, Jimmy Arias gave an update that all the fans would love to hear.

He revealed, “She’s softening a little.” Does it mean Danielle Collins may well continue playing on the Tour after this year? Well according to Jimmy Arias’ statement on Peacock, he thinks Collins should at least play the majors (based on her ranking) and collect over $280,000 in prize money.

Time will tell if Arias successfully managed to persuade Collins or not, but if anyone can dare to convince the ‘Danimal‘ then it’s surely gonna be this man. Reason? Danielle Collins has time and again been vocal about their strong bond on and off the court. We’ve seen how she dropped a thankful message for all of her friends in the sport, including Arias after her victory in Miami earlier this year. She thinks he’s a “lucky charm” and was on cloud nine after seeing Arias at the finals of the 2024 Miami Open. Collins even requested him to pay a visit during the Charleston Open final.

The camaraderie between the two is strong. Although the retirement decision was not easy for Collins, at the same time, she’s amazed to see the love she has got from the fans over the last few months as they work overtime to get her to stay.

“I’m just trying to take it all in” – Danielle Collins wants to enjoy as much as she can while it lasts

Collins has battled with rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis to reach where she is today. After many ups and downs over the last few years, she’s happy to tick the box of representing her nation at the Olympics. However, there is one thing that always goes through her mind, “Being a mom is one of my biggest dreams outside of the court.“ She knows how desperately her fans want her to continue, but she already has plans for what she wants to pursue after tennis.

Collins was surprised to see the response she received over the last few months. “I haven’t been on tour that long compared to a lot of other athletes. But the fan base that I feel is huge.“ She’s glad to see the amount of people who come out to see her matches and support her from the stands. Seeing those familiar faces over the years is what she believes is always special for any professional athlete.

So, she’s “just trying to take it all in and enjoy it as much as I can while it lasts.” Time will tell if she continues playing or takes her retirement straight after this season, but Arias’ statement has surely made the fans quite hopeful now. Fingers Crossed!