Danielle Collins is in her final season.
Images via Imago: Naomi Osaka, Danielle Collins, Elena Rybakina
The Japanese tennis star is still struggling to find her groove. The former top-ranked player has not been able to meet the expectations of experts and fans. After being eliminated in the first round of the 2024 Australian Open, Osaka was also knocked out of the [tournament name] following a first-round loss. The four-time Grand Slam champion was defeated by [opponent’s name], who will now face [opponent’s name].
The Kazakh player received a bye in the first round and will now compete against Collins in her first match of the tournament. Rybakina is the top seed at the WTA 500 event. On the other hand, Collins, who is in her final season, is unseeded. However, the American will be filled with confidence after defeating Osaka in straight sets. Collins defeated the Japanese player 7-5, 6-0.
Collins is now faced with the challenge of defeating Rybakina, who suffered an early exit from the Australian Open. Last year’s finalist couldn’t make much of an impact this time as she was eliminated from the tournament after a loss to Anna Blinkova in the second round.
After announcing at the Australian Open that the 2024 season will be her last, Danielle Collins expresses her readiness for the next phase of her life. The American player shares mixed emotions about being on the tour. Collins mentions that sometimes it feels like she just started, while other times it feels like she has been on the tour for a long time.
Nevertheless, the 30-year-old is prepared to embark on the next phase of her life. Collins expresses excitement about what lies ahead for her.
It is worth noting that Danielle Collins turned professional in 2016. Throughout her eight-year career, the American has achieved two singles titles and one doubles title. Collins has faced her fair share of health issues. Three years after turning pro, she revealed being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. In 2021, she underwent emergency surgery to treat endometriosis.
However, she denies that health problems influenced her decision to move on. Nonetheless, Collins affirms that she is ready for something new.