“That’s a deeply personal situation,” Danielle Collins highlights the offensive gendered bias surrounding her retirement decisions

The American has moved into the semi-finals of the 2024 Miami Open and will look to reach the finals at the tournament for the first time in what is her farewell season.


“That’s a deeply personal situation,” Danielle Collins highlights the offensive gendered bias surrounding her retirement decisions

Danielle Collins (Image via IMAGO)

World No. 53 Danielle Collins continues her majestic run at the 2024 Miami Open. She is into her second career semi-final at the event after defeating Caroline Garcia 6-3, 6-2. Following her win, she was however subjected to questions on her retirement yet again which left her fuming.

Collins‘ win over Garcia was her fourth consecutive straight-set win in Miami this year. She dropped a set only in the first round. Since then, she has shown better and dominating control. She last reached the semi-finals in Miami in 2018 when she made her tournament debut. But she was defeated by Jelena Ostapenko at that stage.

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As she stands on the verge of reaching her first final at the WTA-1000 event, she was left frustrated in the press conference. Having announced her plan to retire at the end of this season, the 30-year-old felt male players aren’t questioned on their decision to retire as much as she has been subjected to.

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Collins made her professional debut after grinding it out on the collegiate level. She won the NCAA singles title twice in three years before turning pro. Having spent the majority of her life so far on the court, she wanted to step away and she has the full right to do so. Yet, the constant questioning angered her.

You know, I find it so interesting, because I kind of felt like when I was announcing my retirement, everyone has been so, like, congratulating me and so excited for me, but then on the other hand, I feel like I have had to justify my decision a lot. I feel like if I was a guy, I probably wouldn't have to justify it that much.
Collins said in the press conference.

Danielle Collins discloses suffering from a chronic disease which is affecting her ability to get pregnant

The former World No. 7 had initially commented on being tired of the constant traveling and packed schedule as the reason for her decision to retire. She then commented on wanting to start her own family and explore other off-court ventures.

Danielle Collins
Danielle Collins (Image via IMAGO)

Collins however had not disclosed so far on having a chronic disease. The American came out candidly and revealed that she has been suffering from an inflammatory disease that’s hampering her chances of getting pregnant.

No, but I think it's really interesting how in a lot of different situations I have had to kind of justify the reasons behind retirement. I'm living with a chronic inflammatory disease that affects your ability to get pregnant, and so that's a deeply personal situation. I've kind of explained that from time to time. 
added Collins

The former Australian Open runner-up believed it was her personal choice entirely on whether to play or not. She felt any interference from non-family members was entirely unwarranted and hoped her privacy is respected in this matter.

I think at the end of the day, my choice, like, this is my personal choice. This is so much more to do than just tennis and my career. I'm enjoying my career. I'm having a lot of fun. I love coming out here and competing. But at the end of the day, this is a really big life decision, and yeah, I think that that should be pretty understandable.
concluded the American

Collins will now take on World No. 16 Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semi-finals for a first career meeting. The Russian has been in great form having defeated World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the fourth round. She followed it by stunning World No. 5 Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals.

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