America's Danielle Collins has reversed her retirement decision and will continue her professional career in 2025.
The 2022 Australian Open runner-up bolted to the media press conference room after her three-set defeat against Iga Świątek at Melbourne Park in January, announcing her shock retirement plans.
"This is going to be my last season competing," Collins told reporters. "I don't really know exactly when, but this will be my last season and I'm really looking forward to that.
"I have other things that I'd like to accomplish in my life outside of tennis and would like to be able to have the time to be able to do that. Having kids is a big priority for me."
Collins has been open about her pregnancy struggles, telling the media after her historic Miami Open final win in March: "If I was a guy I wouldn't have to justify; I'm living with a disease that affects my ability to get pregnant."
Fast forward six months later, Collins will opt to play on after consultations with doctors.
The former world No.7 shared the welcomed news with her 234,000 Instagram followers earlier today.
"Hi everyone, I’ve been a little MIA the last few weeks so I want to give everyone an update.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Thank you to all of my fans and the amazing people behind me that have been so encouraging during this time and also to my closest friends on tour that have been supporting me every step of the way."
Collins' name has been included in the United Cup squad to represent the Americans and commence the Australian summer of tennis.
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