By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday 17 October 2024
Danimal is back – and she never left.
US Danielle Collins has reversed course on her plans to retire from tennis at the end of the 2024 season, and will instead continue her career for the time being.
The 30-year-old Collins, currently ranked No. 9 in the world, explained her reasoning in an Instagram post on Thursday.
“I’ve been dealing with some issues around my endometriosis and other health challenges,” Collins wrote. “While I was very excited and eager to end my tennis career on a high note this year and jump headfirst into my next chapter in life, things have not gone as planned.
“In addition to managing some ongoing health challenges in recent months, I have recently met with a handful of specialists to better understand what my best path forward is to achieve my ultimate dream of starting a family.
“Dealing with endometriosis and fertility is a massive challenge for many women and something I’m actively working through, but I have full confidence in the team I’m working with. It’s just going to take longer than I thought.”
Collins, who won two titles in 2024 and posted an impressive 39-15 record, says she plans to return to the tournament in 2025. She has already entered the field for the early-season United Cup.
“The DANIMAL story has not reached its conclusion,” she wrote. “I will return to the tournament in 2025.
“While there are no guarantees in life, I hope to build on my 2024 momentum and continue playing until there is more certainty about my personal fertility journey. The only guarantee at the moment will be some more epic matches.”
