Danielle Collins: What's Next For Her?

Danielle Collins at 2024 Miami Open. Source: WTA Tennis

"COME ON!" "LET'S GO!"

Her yells echo across the court.

I met Danielle for the first time in San Jose, California, in 2021, the year and the tournament she lifted her first WTA 500 title. Having been a fan of hers for a long time, it was sad to see her announcing her retirement after losing to Iga Swiatek at the 2024 Australian Open.

The American star, a fellow Tecnifibre user, has been known for her competitive attitude on the court, which I have appreciated for a long time.

In 2021, she won back-to-back titles, one on clay in Palermo, Italy, followed by her victory on the hard court of San Jose, California.

Selfie with Danielle in San Jose

In 2022, she made it into the final round of the Australian Open, where she fell to the Australian Ashleigh Barty.

While she had some injuries here and there, she was still consistent, and then came the shocking announcement to retire from professional tennis.

In the months following her announcement, she won the biggest title of her career in Miami, followed by another clay court title in Charleston. In the summer, she played on the court at Stade Rolland Garros, representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Danielle Collins lifting the Miami Open trophy. Source: WTA Tennis

Towards the end of the 2024 season, Collins decided to postpone her retirement, citing ongoing issues with endometriosis.

While she has not won a title since this major decision, she has been consistent with her ranking, staying in the Top 20, according to WTA.

Will she continue playing for a little more, and can she win more big titles? Will she consistently reach the second weeks of Grand Slams?

Side note: Her racket is Tecnifibre T-Fight 300s, the same model as the one I use. The frame complements her powerful groundstrokes with its modified weight distribution.