MIAMI — American tennis star Danielle Collins broke down in tears during her Friday match at the Miami Open, screaming "Why is this happening to me?" in a moment of raw emotion that stunned spectators and went viral on social media.
The 30-year-old, who announced earlier this year that 2024 would be her final season due to health struggles, appeared visibly frustrated during her third-round clash against Sorana Cîrstea. Collins, known for her fiery on-court demeanor, struggled with unforced errors and a persistent back issue, leading to an emotional outburst in the second set.
A Frustrating Match and Emotional Outburst
Collins, the 2022 Australian Open finalist, was trailing 4-6, 1-3 when she suddenly stopped play, covered her face with her hands, and began sobbing. The crowd at Hard Rock Stadium fell silent as she turned to her team and screamed, "Why is this happening to me? I can’t do this anymore!" before sitting down on her bench, visibly distraught.
Her coach, Darren Cahill, tried to calm her down during the changeover, but Collins continued to express frustration between points. At one stage, she smashed her racket against the court, earning a code violation. Despite rallying briefly, she ultimately lost the match 6-4, 6-3.
Health Struggles and Retirement Decision
Collins has been open about her battles with rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis, chronic conditions that have significantly impacted her career. In January, she revealed that this season would be her last, stating, "I don’t really know when I’m going to play my last tournament, but this will be my last season."
Her struggles were evident in Miami, where she later admitted to reporters:
- "My body just isn’t cooperating the way it used to."
- "Some days are better than others, but today was really tough."
- "I’m trying to enjoy every moment, but it’s hard."
Fan and Player Reactions
The emotional moment resonated with fans and fellow players. Cîrstea, her opponent, later praised Collins’ resilience, saying, "Danielle is such a fighter. I have so much respect for her. It’s never easy to see someone struggling like that."
On social media, supporters flooded Collins with messages of encouragement, with many sharing their own experiences with chronic illness. Tennis legend Billie Jean King tweeted, "Danielle Collins’ courage in speaking about her health struggles is inspiring. The tennis world stands with her."
What’s Next for Collins?
Despite the emotional toll, Collins has confirmed she will continue playing through the season, with upcoming tournaments in Charleston and Madrid. She remains determined to finish on her own terms, though she acknowledged, "Some days, it feels like my body is betraying me. But I love this sport too much to walk away without giving it everything."
Her performance in Miami, while heartbreaking, highlighted the physical and emotional challenges athletes face—especially when battling chronic conditions. Collins’ vulnerability has only deepened the admiration fans and peers have for her.
A Legacy of Grit and Passion
Collins, who turned pro in 2016, has always been known for her tenacity. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she reached the Australian Open semifinals, and she later climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 7 in 2022. Despite her health struggles, she has remained a fierce competitor, earning respect for her never-give-up attitude.
As she approaches retirement, Collins has also been vocal about advocating for better healthcare support for athletes. "We push our bodies to the limit, but sometimes we need help too. I hope my story encourages others to speak up."
While her final season may be marked by challenges, Collins’ impact on the sport extends beyond wins and losses. Her raw honesty and determination have made her one of tennis’ most relatable figures—and her emotional moment in Miami only reinforced that.
As she left the court on Friday, wiping away tears, fans gave her a standing ovation—a testament to the respect she’s earned. Whether she wins another match or not, Danielle Collins’ legacy is already secure: a player who fought with every ounce of her being, both on and off the court.