by US tennis star Danielle Collins says she will return to the court next year.
The 30-year-old announced nine months ago that she would retire at the end of the season because she wanted children.
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But Collins revealed in an emotional Instagram post that her plans had been put on hold.
The world number 9 is battling endometriosis – a disease that affects the uterus.
“In addition to dealing with some ongoing health challenges over the past few months, I recently visited a handful of specialists to better understand my best path forward to achieve my ultimate dream of starting a family,” Collins wrote.
“Dealing with endometriosis and fertility is a huge challenge for many women and something I am actively managing, but I have every confidence in the team I work with. It’s just going to take longer than I thought.”
“So the DANIMAL story isn’t over yet. I will be back on tour in 2025.”
Collins told reporters the 2024 season would be her last after losing to Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open in January.
In the months that followed, she played the best tennis of her career with victories in Miami and Charleston.
After losing a three-set marathon to Iga Swiatek in the second round of the Australian Open in January, Collins told reporters that the 2024 season would be her last.
But at the French Open she remained steadfast in her determination to leave on a winning note.
“I really want to play at a high level and I want people to remember me for the tennis I played,” she told ESPN.
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“Some players are almost forced into retirement because of injury and then fall out of the top 100 and that means the end of their career.”
“This really helped me make the decision to retire on my own terms and have the opportunity to choose. I could choose to continue playing, but I choose to retire.”
Collins managed to achieve her dream of making the Olympic team, but suffered heat stroke and a strained abdomen in Paris.
With just three tournaments, including a first-round exit from the US Open, her form has improved.
Collins skipped a ceremony after her elimination – a tradition for American players in their final game at Flushing Meadows.
She revealed at the time that she preferred a private occasion to an “all about me” moment.
“While there are no guarantees in life, I hope to build on my 2024 momentum and keep playing until there is more certainty about my personal fertility journey,” she added in her Instagram post.
“The only guarantee for now will be more epic games.”
The Californian hasn’t played since September but sits ninth in the race standings – one place behind the final qualifying spot for the season-ending WTA Finals.
Fellow American Emma Navarro is on track to take that spot, while Collins’ next appearance is likely to come at the United Cup in December, where she was named to the US squad.
