Danielle Collins reveals what went wrong during her all-American first round defeat at the US Open

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Danielle Collins tripped up in the first round of what is set to be her final US Open, losing to fellow American Caroline Dolehide, 1-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Seeded 11th, Danielle Collins confirmed after her Australian Open exit in January that 2024 would be her final season on tour.

With a subsequent purple patch, Collins secured her first WTA 1000 title in Miami with the American rising from outside of the top 70 in February to within the top 10 by the summer.

In what looks to be her final outing at a grand slam, Collins entered both the women’s singles and doubles events with French partner Caroline Garcia.

Playing just her second match on the hard courts after an abdominal injury waylaid Collins’ early season momentum, she failed to capitalise from a set and break advantage on Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Tipped for a deep run with many dreaming of a fairytale ending for Collins in this uniquely open women’s draw, the American looks set to finish her career with a major final appearance in Melbourne as her best result.

Danielle Collins explains why she lost her opening US Open match

Having retired at the Olympics in Collins’ controversial outing against Iga Swiatek, she elected to sit out of Toronto and Cincinnati, with the focus all on being fit for the US Open.

However, despite her lead, Collins caved and couldn’t convert. After walking off court and past the bouquet of flowers US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster had prepared, Collins was frank in her assessment afterwards

“I think I had 12 days off, minimal preparation kind of going into it,” she said flatly in her post-match press conference. “I did my best. That’s all I could do.

“There were times that I had some good shots, and there were times that it didn’t go my way, but I think overall Caroline played, you know, very well and was running down a lot of balls. So all credit to her.”

What will Danielle Collins do in her retirement?

With retirement imminent, Collins has been reflecting on her ‘unorthodox’ career, with the lions share of her success coming right towards the end.

Collins has suggested a coaching career might be on the cards too, with the American not wanting to stray too far from the sport.

Having had an astonishing rise through the tennis circuit, unlike some of her more privileged compatriots like Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, Collins has had to jump through a number of hoops to get to the top of the WTA.

Her fiery on-court persona will be a major loss to the WTA tour, however with a manner of health complications, Collins has decided to call time on her career.

Still with some doubles action to come, Collins will be hoping to piece together some wins to get the farewell she deserves.