Danielle Collins is one of the American stars looking to inspire the nation at this year’s US Open.
Collins is lacing up in preparation for her final appearance at the US Open as she is set to retire at the end of the season.
But her 2024 campaign is proving to be a successful farewell as she is taking the WTA Tour by storm, notably registering a 22-3 win-loss record between March and May which included back-to-back titles in Miami and Charleston.
Collins was embroiled in controversy during her Olympics clash with Iga Swiatek – an encounter in which the American had to retire from in the third set.
What did Danielle Collins say about her injury?
In preparation for her final US Open, Collins opted to enter the WTA500 in Monterrey this week in a decision that had a mixed reception.
She was beaten in her opener and has since provided an update on the injury that forced her to retire from her clash with Swiatek.
“I think everybody knew I got injured at the Olympics,” Collins told the ‘Advantage Connors’ podcast. “I strained my rectus abdominis and my lower ab muscles.
“So a little bit of a tricky injury, especially as it’s something I have had on a more severe level before. I was advised to take a little bit more time off and let it fully heal before getting back into things, because with your abdomen you are using it in everything you do, even in every day life.
“So really just having to shut it down for 10 days. I got back into practice this week, been having some great hits and practices with Brian Harrison.”
Can Collins go deep at the US Open?
After an awe-inspiring final season on tour, Danielle Collins has shot up to sixth in the Race to the WTA Finals.
However, Collins appears to have lost the momentum that she gained during the first half of the year.
Part of this is due to the injury she suffered at the Olympics, but the 30-year-old will be eager to bounce back in time for another mesmerising run at Flushing Meadows.
With Coco Gauff seemingly not in the best shape to defend her title, Collins could be the favored American woman to make a charge this year.
However, it all depends on the severity of her injury, which will become apparent when she faces Caroline Dolehide in the first round on Tuesday.
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