NEW YORK — American tennis star Danielle Collins, who made a stunning retirement U-turn earlier this year, has announced she will shut down her season after the US Open. The 31-year-old, known for her fiery competitiveness and powerful baseline game, confirmed the decision in a press conference ahead of the tournament.
Collins, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, had initially planned to retire at the end of 2024 due to ongoing health struggles with rheumatoid arthritis. However, after a resurgent season that included a Miami Open title and a career-high ranking of No. 7, she reversed course in June, stating, "I realized I still have more to give to this sport."
A Season of Triumphs and Challenges
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Collins. After announcing her retirement plans in January, she went on a tear, winning 22 of her next 25 matches. Highlights included:
- Her second WTA 1000 title in Miami, where she defeated Elena Rybakina in straight sets
- A semifinal run at the Charleston Open
- Quarterfinal appearances in Madrid and Rome
However, the physical toll became apparent during the grass season. Collins withdrew from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury, telling reporters, "My body needs time to recover. I've pushed through pain before, but this time I have to listen to my doctors."
The Decision to End Early
Collins explained that while she's physically capable of playing through the fall, she wants to prioritize her long-term health: "The US Open has always been special to me, and I want to give it everything I have left. After that, it's time to reset and prepare for 2025."
The decision means she'll skip the Asian swing and the WTA Finals, where she was in contention for a spot. Tennis analysts have praised the move, with ESPN's Pam Shriver noting, "Danielle's showing remarkable maturity. She's playing the long game now, both for her career and her health. That Miami run proved she can still compete at the highest level when healthy."
What's Next for Collins?
Collins' coach, Jay Gooding, revealed they're already planning for 2025: "We'll use this time to strengthen the areas that break down under tour stress." This includes:
- A specialized training block to manage her arthritis symptoms
- Technical adjustments to reduce strain on her shoulder
- Targeted scheduling to peak for Grand Slams
The Virginia native remains optimistic about her future, telling The Tennis Channel: "This isn't goodbye to 2024—it's hello to being smarter about my career. I used to think pushing through pain was strength. Now I know real strength is knowing when to step back."
US Open Expectations
Seeded No. 11 at Flushing Meadows, Collins faces a tricky first-round match against rising Czech star Sara Bejlek. Tournament director Stacey Allaster called her "a fan favorite who brings electrifying energy," while former champion Tracy Austin highlighted Collins' recent form on hard courts: "When Danielle's serve and return are dialed in, she can blast through any draw."
By the Numbers: Collins' 2024
Match Record: 38-12 (76% win rate)
Titles: 1 (Miami)
Prize Money: $2.1 million
Break Points Saved: 63% (4th on tour)
Aces: 214 (8th among Americans)
Conclusion
As Collins prepares for her (temporary) farewell at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the tennis world is left admiring her resilience. From nearly retiring to reestablishing herself as a top-10 threat, her 2024 campaign serves as a testament to perseverance. As she put it: "This sport has given me so much. Now it's my turn to give my body what it needs so I can keep giving back."