No. 11 Danielle Collins faced a tough defeat in the first round of the US Open against Caroline Dolehide at Louis Armstrong Stadium. After squandering an early lead, Collins lost in three sets, 1-6, 7-5, 6-4. This marked the end of her Grand Slam singles career.
Collins, who announced her retirement earlier this year, declined an on-court presentation following the match. She expressed her discomfort with celebrating her accomplishments publicly, citing personal struggles with feeling guilt around success.
The 30-year-old tennis player has had a successful career, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 7. Despite her recent achievements, including reaching the final of the 2022 Australian Open and winning multiple WTA titles, Collins has remained firm in her decision to retire at the end of this season.
Collins attributed her retirement to her desire to start a family and health challenges, such as endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis. She emphasized the importance of retiring on her own terms and being able to choose when to end her career.
Following her participation in the Olympics earlier this year, where she faced health issues, Collins had minimal preparation for the US Open. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to playing in the doubles draw alongside Caroline Garcia.
Looking ahead, Collins expressed uncertainty about her ability to complete the season due to potential health obstacles. She acknowledged the unpredictability of life's challenges but remains hopeful about her future in tennis.
