It would not be a Danielle Collins match without a smidge of controversy. The player known for her bold strokes and unapologetic comments has bid goodbye to her singles Grand Slam career on home soil. Losing to her compatriot Caroline Dolehide in a rollercoaster of a match, Collins went straight off the court, reportedly saying no to a USTA farewell ceremony in her last year on the WTA Tour. Isn’t that reminiscent of another GOAT?
Appearing in the post-match conference, Collins told the press, “I’m not somebody that likes to celebrate my accomplishments. I’ve struggled with feeling guilt around success. I’m not great about having an all-about-me moment. I’d prefer to do something like that maybe in private.”
These last few months, the spotlight has shown on the American more than ever before, as she bids goodbye to tennis for various reasons, “I feel like I’ve gotten enough attention to last a lifetime. I was thinking of that movie Meet the Parents or Meet the Fockers where Gaylord has his shrine and all his 18th-place medals. I don’t wanna be like Gaylord so I think I’m good,” Collins continued.
Well, it’s almost enough to remind us of Serena Williams, who had a similar reaction in Cincinnati in 2022 after losing to Emma Raducanu. It was the younger Williams sister’s last year on the Tour, as time had finally done its thing and gone ahead, leaving Serena behind. In a devastating loss to Raducanu, Williams left the court in Cincinnati after a 1-hour, 5-minute match. Although she waved to the crowd as she exited, the tennis veteran did not want to indulge in a proper farewell.
Much like that day in Cincy two years ago, Collins had to reign in her heartbreak after failing on that one day she should not have. It was a fairy tale run when the 2024 season began. Danimal won two titles and had a 15-match winning streak. But then the rollercoaster ride began. The 30-year-old began to struggle, most recently fizzling out of the Paris Olympics in a loss to Iga Swiatek. It was a match marred by controversy, which was nothing new for Danimal.
After this latest US Open loss, Collins will only have a few tournaments left to end the season and quit. But the frustration of this moment still got to Collins, as the end of her career loomed closer.
Danielle Collins smashes her racquet in frustration
Before today, Danielle Collins had a head-to-head record of 5-1 against Dolehide. In fact, the two had faced each other as recently as the French Open, where Collins dispatched her compatriot easily. But today, even though she won the first set, the final two were a struggle for Danimal.
