After a difficult loss at the Australian Open in January, Danielle Collins announced she would retire at the end of the season. She’s had some health difficulties - including both rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis – but she played through those challenges and has had a pretty successful career. It seems the retirement announcement provided some mental clarity for her because she has been on an absolute tear since then. She’s won two tournaments in the last couple of months, has won 19 of her last 20 matches, beat some of the best players in the world, and added $1.6M to her bank account this year. She plays in the semifinals of the Italian Open tomorrow against the #2 ranked player in the world, Aryna Sabalenka. Winning the Italian Open would land her another $800k and it’s the last clay court tournament before the French Open (one of three remaining Grand Slams this year). She may go into the French Open ranked in the top 10. I’d love for her to get a Grand Slam title before she retires. That trophy would look great next two her two national championship trophies from her time on Grounds. I’m happy for her – she’s had some ups and downs but nothing’s holding her back from going out with a bang.
