With 35 wins out of 45 matches, Danielle Collins who has returned to the top 10 of the WTA rankings, has opened up about some unseen information of her life. Well, having so many eyebrows raised around her retirement decision, Collins is trying to end the discussions on a positive note. In a recent interview, this WTA star has finally revealed her struggle with “rheumatoid arthritis, external and endometriosis, external” which have a huge impact on her retirement decision.

As the American is currently making waves at the French Open, in a recent conversation with the BBC, she opened up about how she gave a reality check to her boyfriend, Bryan Kipp. She recalled, “While I announced my decision after losing to Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open, it had been on the cards for a while. I even told my boyfriend when I met him at Wimbledon last year that I was going to be retiring in the next year or two.” 

Along with that, she not only made the real situation quite clear but also emphasized how things are not certain for her. “I had not known him very long and I said “right now this is my life, but it won’t be my life forever,” she added.

The Miami Open champion, who will soon turn thirty-one, is eager to turn her attention to other interests in life after overcoming several health issues. She is excited to pursue goals like raising a family and contributing significantly to programs that support women. In the same conversation, she also emphasized how, because of her medical issues, she should plan on starting a family as soon as possible.

She stated, “I found myself once again explaining how I have had multiple surgeries and seen multiple medical professionals. I’ve been advised by doctors that my pregnancy journey should begin as soon as possible, given the severity of my endometriosis. Through this experience, I have found most people aren’t very empathetic to the struggles others go through.” 

Apparently, the 10th-ranked player was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2019, an inflammatory disease that can affect different sections of the body and is marked by excruciating joint swelling. “I deal with two chronic health conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, external and endometriosis, external, which can affect fertility and your ability to have children. I have a smaller window available to get pregnant and to make sure that hopefully happens,” – Collins further said.

However, people have constantly encouraged her to re-think her choices; she revealed how it is not an easy decision for her, sharing her take on hearing such options.

Danielle Collins “found it hurtful when people push back” her retirement decision 

The topic of whether Danielle Collins should go forward with her retirement plans despite being in the top 10 has gained a lot of attention amid many discussions and debates. Rather than respecting her life choices as an individual, she is quite ‘hurtful’ of the different opinions surrounding her.

She said, “But I have sometimes found it hurtful when people push back. Some people are quick to give their input and advice when they don’t really know what you are going through. I’ve been very vocal about something that is deeply personal and that a lot of people do not want to talk about. The only thing I have asked is people to respect my decision.” 

While it ultimately boils down to her personal decisions, Danielle Collins’ choices regarding her tennis career and future endeavors hold significant intrigue. It will be interesting to see how she ends her tennis career this year as she navigates this crucial time in her life.

Moreover, what are your thoughts on Collins’ retirement revelation revolving around her present and future? Share your opinions in the comment section below!