"Had similar injury 4 years ago"- Danielle Collins discloses aftermath of "heatstroke in Paris" after Toronto, Cincinnati withdrawals ahead of US Open
Danielle Collins recently opened up about her decision to skip the WTA 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati ahead of the 2024 US Open. The American said that her Paris Olympics injury scare played a role in her no-show.
Collins was most recently in action at the Games in Paris—her first and final Olympic appearance ahead of her retirement later this year. The World No. 8’s campaign, however, did not pan out as she would’ve hoped.
Danielle Collins made it as far as the quarterfinals in singles, pushing World No. 1 Iga Swiatek to three sets before retiring in the decider due to an abdominal injury. At the time, she hinted that the injury was the consequence of the heatstroke she suffered in her previous match. Collins also complained about inadequate assistance to players during her campaign.
In the aftermath, she pulled out of the WTA 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati, casting doubts over her final US Open run. Providing an update on her injury, Danielle Collins said:
"Little update for all who have been reaching out and checking in on me since my injury at the Olympics. After having a heat stroke in Paris, I strained my rectus abdominis," she revealed on Instagram.
The 30-year-old noted that this was reminiscent of the injury she faced four years ago, which prompted her to be more cautious, considering 2024 is her farewell season.
"I had a similar injury to this area almost four years ago that kept me from competing for over four months. Obviously I don’t want to have a repeat of that. As I am approaching the end of my career, it has been important to try and rest and recover so that this can heal as quickly as possible," she noted.
"I'm hoping to continue with my season after US Open" – Danielle Collins
Danielle Collins has had a tremendous run this year. She’s featured in three finals so far, lifting two trophies—in Miami and Charleston. The 2022 Australian Open runner-up also re-entered the world’s top 10, thanks to her rich vein of form.
After her Toronto and Cincinnati setbacks, she conveyed her desire to resume her campaign at the WTA 500 in Monterrey, which is scheduled for the week before the 2024 US Open. Collins indicated that she intends to complete the full season before calling time on her career.
"I was really bummed to have to pull out of Toronto and Cincinnati. My hope is to return to competition in Monterey. I'm hoping to continue with my season after US Open and continue to try and go after the goals I set out for this year. Thank you to everyone who has reached out over the last few weeks and all the love and support as always," the American said in the aforementioned Instagram post.
At the US Open, Collins will chase her first and potentially last Grand Slam title. According to early odds, she is one of the top 10 favorites to become the champion. Her best result at the tournament was a fourth-round appearance in 2022. During that run, she defeated two-time champion Naomi Osaka in the opening round.