Danielle Collins gets honest about emotional pain dealing with fertility problems & reversing retirement decision

Danielle Collins has opened up about her feelings about reversing her retirement and dealing with her fertility problems. The player is currently competing at the Australian Open.

At the start of the 2024 season, Collins announced that she would retire after the end of the season, talking about her wish to extend her family by having children. However, she reversed this decision, finding out about her health challenges which included endometriosis, a chronic gynecological disease that can affect her fertility.

Collins is gearing up to compete in the first round of the Australian Open against Daria Snigur on January 13. She attended a pre-tournament conference, where she opened up about her decision to extend her career:

"Yeah, I feel like at this point it's kind of a bonus while I figure out next steps with everything with wanting to start a family and figuring out that process, which I think will seemingly be more complicated, as I have learned in the last couple of months, unfortunately. So yeah, I mean, it's been nice being back on tour and having, you know, the time to be around my friends on tour and having that support system," Danielle Collins said.

"I mean, obviously I was looking forward to trying to start a family right away and to, you know, start a new chapter. But sometimes these things get thrown at you and different curve balls, and now it's just kind of like, well, I can enjoy some more time on tour, which is a bonus, but then obviously it's been tough emotionally just trying to, yeah, work through that side of things."

Danielle Collins further spoke about her health complications and added:

"Yeah, I think it's just the amount of time that it's going to probably take for me to be able to start a family. That process obviously with my endometriosis, there is some additional challenges that come along with being able to have kids. So that's part of it."

When asked why she chose to play tennis despite having a lot of other interests after uncovering her health concerns, Collins shared more about her situation.

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Danielle Collins shares more details about her health issues

In the aforementioned interview, Danielle Collins said:

"We could talk more in depth about it, but I think I'd ideally like to try to wait to have that conversation just because I am here these next two weeks hopefully trying to do my best and compete hard. And, you know, it's not easy. I have had days consistently where I cry every day and am freaking out. It's not, you know, a fun thing."

"Sure I could try to get some of the stuff started. The physical challenges that come along with that for me are a bit more complex. It’s gonna take a bit more time for my medical team to figure out what the best course of action will be,” Danielle Collins added.

Collins commenced her 2025 season by competing at the Adelaide International; however, she couldn't advance further than the first round, being bested by Ons Jabeur, 7-6(8), 6-2. She also faced controversy over a handshake with Iga Swiatek while competing at the 2025 United Cup.