It is not the end that Danielle Collins had wished for. Playing in her final Grand Slam tournament in front of her home fans, the American tennis star went down fighting in the first round of the US Open. Collins lost a roller-coaster match against her compatriot, Caroline Dolehide in three sets 1-6, 7-5 6-4. However, after the match, she was involved in an unwanted controversy that caught the attention of the tennis world.

Playing in her last US Open, there was a farewell ceremony planned for Collins, if she lost. However, the American star declined an offer for the ceremony, as the pain of the defeat was too much to handle. Emotions were written all over Collins’ face, as she made her way straight into the changing room following her loss.

Coming into the US Open, Collins was in good form and was expected to go deep into the tournament. However, she lost her way mid-way through the match after winning the first set 6-1 and eventually succumbed to defeat against her lower-ranked opponent. Nonetheless, it isn’t the end of the road for Danielle Collins at the US Open. She is taking part in women’s doubles as well and will partner Caroline Garcia at the tournament.

The 30-year-old was quite frustrated as she lost momentum in the match against Dolehide, despite having a dominating start. Additionally, she also vented out her anger by smashing her racket on the court during the match, when things weren’t going her way. As she hadn’t yet come to terms with the heartbreaking loss, Collins rejected the proposal for a farewell ceremony.

Despite having declared that the current season will be the final one of her tennis career, Collins believes that her association with tennis won’t end with her retirement. She hopes to make a comeback to tennis, albeit in some other role, later in life.

Danielle Collins not giving up on her tennis passion

Despite her early US Open exit, Collins is enjoying one of the best years of her tennis career. She has already won titles in Miami and Charleston and isn’t done yet. During an interview with The Guardian at the US Open, the American star revealed that she is open to returning to tennis, maybe as a coach, later in life.

Talking about it, Danielle Collins said, “The biggest thing for me now is settling into life at home and having some time to just relax and also build my family. But I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to helping athletes that are aspiring to work their way up. Honestly, if I could work with any level of a tennis player, my favorite people to get out on court with are beginners. I am a very patient person, surprisingly.”

With her playing career nearing its end, do you see Collins becoming a successful coach in a few years? Let us know your views in the comments below.