"We love you" - Jessica Pegula extends her support to Danielle Collins as compatriot takes pride in "empowering" decision to retire on her own terms
Jessica Pegula extended her love and support to Danielle Collins after her fellow American defended her decision to hang up her racket despite continuing to compete at a high level. Collins announced her intention to retire at the end of the 2024 season, following her exit from the Australian Open in January.
Since making the announcement, the 30-year-old has enjoyed an exceptional run of form, including impressive triumphs at the Miami Open and Charleston Open. Although her success has led to incessant questions about reconsidering her decision, Collins has stayed firm, citing her desire to start a family as a major motivating factor.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Danielle Collins explained her reasoning behind retiring while still at the top of her game, asserting that she found it "empowering" to bid farewell on her terms instead of being forced into it due to injury or loss of form.
"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. 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," Danielle Collins said.
"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," she added.
As the American makes her Olympics debut in Paris, ESPN shared a post with Collins' remarks on social media.
Jessica Pegula reshared the post and signaled her support for Collins, sending her love to the 30-year-old.
"We love you DC @danimalcollins 🙌," Pegula posted on her Instagram story.
Paris Olympics 2024 singles: Danielle Collins to take on Camila Ososrio in 3R clash; Jessica Pegula crashes out in 2R
Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins are currently competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, both hunting for their maiden medals at the prestigious event. While Collins' singles campaign is still alive, Pegula crashed out in the second round.
Although the World No. 6 claimed a commanding 6-3, 6-4 win over Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic, she fell short of replicating her winning performance against Elina Svitolina. The Ukrainian battled back from a set down to secure a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory, ousting Pegula from the singles event.
Collins, meanwhile, narrowly edged past Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 after a two-hour and 12-minute battle to advance to the third round. The American will take on Colombia's Camila Osorio for a place in the quarterfinals.
Danielle Collins will also join forces with Desirae Krawczyk to face the Greek duo of Maria Sakkari and Despina Papamichail in the women's doubles event.
Jessica Pegula still has a chance to clinch an Olympic medal in Paris, partnering Coco Gauff in doubles. The top-seeded duo will be up against the Czech pair of Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova in the second round.