American world No.9 Danielle Collins will continue playing in 2025 after previously saying this season would be the last of her career.
The 30-year-old hasn’t played on the Tour since last month due to a series of personal matters, including issues related to her battle with endometriosis. A disease where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. The illness can affect a person’s ability to get pregnant which Collins has previously said was ‘one of her biggest goals outside of tennis’ during an interview with BBC Sport in May.
“It’s been a stressful time with these horrific hurricanes that wiped through Florida, and on top of it I’ve been dealing with some issues around my endometriosis and other health challenges,” Collins wrote on Instagram.
“While I was very excited and eager to wrap up my tennis career on a high note this year and jump headfirst into my next chapter of life, things have not gone as planned.
“In addition to managing some lingering health challenges the past few months, I’ve recently been seeing a handful of specialists to better understand what my best path forward is to achieve my ultimate dream, starting a family.”
Collins, who didn’t turn professional until her early twenties after going to college, has spoken publically numerous times about her endometriosis diagnosis. She had previously undergone surgery to remove “a cyst the size of a tennis ball” from her ovary, as well as other materials in her bowel and bladder. According to the National Health Service (NHS), there is currently no treatment that can cure the condition.
The announcement to continue her career came shortly after she was named in the American team for the United Cup which will take place in Australia next year. In March she won her first WTA 1000 title in Miami before winning the Charleston Open. Collins was also runner-up at the Internationaux de Strasbourg and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon. However, she hasn’t won a match at her three previous tournaments with her last win occurring at the Paris Olympics.
“Dealing with endometriosis and fertility is a massive challenge for many women and something that I am actively traversing, but I am fully confident in the team I am working with. It is just going to take longer than I thought,” She continued.
“So, the DANIMAL story has not reached its conclusion. I will be back on tour in 2025.
“While there are no guarantees in life, I hope to build on my 2024 momentum and keep playing until there is more certainty around my personal fertility journey. The only guarantee for now will be some more epic matches.”
Since the start of 2204, Collins has recorded a win-loss record of 39-15 and won $2,352,988 in prize money.