US tennis star Danielle Collins says she will return to the court next year.
The 30-year-old announced her intention to retire at the end of the season nine months ago as she wanted to have children.
Collins hit form after announcing her retirementGetty
But Collins revealed in an emotional Instagram post that her plans had been put on hold.
The world No. 9 is battling endometriosis – a condition which affects the uterus.
“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,” Collins wrote.
“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.”
Collins told reporters the 2024 season would be her last after losing to Iga Swiatek in the Australian Open in January.
The months since saw her play some of the best tennis of her career, with wins 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 the 2024 season would be her final one .
But at the French Open, she remained steadfast in her determination to leave on a high.
“I want to go out really playing on a high level, and I want people to remember me for the tennis that I was playing,” she told ESPN.
Collins suffered health setbacks but will return in 2025Getty
“Some players are almost forced into retirement, due to an injury and then falling out of the top 100, and that defines the end of their career.
“This has been really empowering in the way that I’ve been able to make the decision to retire on my own terms and have the ability to choose. I could choose to continue to play, but I’m choosing to retire.”
Collins managed to fulfil her dream of making an Olympic squad but suffered from heat stroke and strained her abdomen in Paris.
That has hit her form with just three tournaments under her belt since, including a first round US Open exit.
Collins opted against a ceremony following her exit – a tradition for American players in their final match at Flushing Meadows.
She revealed at the time that she would prefer 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 around my personal fertility journey,” she added in her Instagram post.
“The only guarantee for now will be some more epic matches.”
The Californian has not played since September, but sits in ninth place in the Race standings – one place outside the final qualifying spot for the end of season WTA Finals.
Fellow American Emma Navarro is in pole position to take that spot, while Collins next appearance is likely to be the United Cup in December where she has been named in the United States squad.