Danielle Collins is preparing herself for one last US Open ahead of her retirement at the end of the season.
Collins took some time off after withdrawing from her Olympic clash with Iga Swiatek after suffering an abdominal injury.
But the American has recovered in time for the fourth and final Grand Slam of 2024, with Collins facing Caroline Dolehide in round one of the US Open.
The former sits 11th in the world rankings ahead of the major event, which gets underway at Flushing Meadows this week.
Collins has been enjoying her final year on the circuit, with the 30-year-old winning back-to-back titles at the Miami Open and Charleston Open in March and April respectively.
Jimmy Connors advises Danielle Collins before she retires
But she did fall in the second round of the Australian Open and French Open, before exiting Wimbledon in the fourth round.
Collins has appeared on the Advantage Connors podcast ahead of the US Open, asking five-time singles winner Jimmy Connors for tips ahead of her retirement.
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But Connors came up short given what she has achieved in her career, telling Collins: “You have got the things down! You understand what it takes. You have proven that over your career.
“Starting with winning the NCAA’s and making the transition into the pro ranks. You have gone about your game in your career in a way that even those that have done it, like me, look at in amazement.
“I say that with the utmost respect. There are not many people I want to come on my podcast, I like talking to my son, but I said I would love to have you on and for you to come and spend some time.
“The only thing I would say to you is just get the most out of it, and you’ve done it. A lot of people think that it never ends but when it’s over, it’s over. That thrill of walking out in front of 25,000 people and playing in front of hundreds of millions on television is gone.
“And the other thing is, and I hate to say it like this because a lot of people think I’m angry or whatever, but I’m not, I’m honest. But when you can’t sell out a stadium, that’s [it]. The next person, the next player, the next youngster.
“Just continue, whether this year is your last year or you play for another 10 years, I want you to know that I have loved watching you play and following your results and the way you act and your personality and your smile.
“I understand how much you love what you do and you appreciate it. You asked me what I would do – nothing.”
Can Danielle Collins enjoy a lengthy run at the US Open?
Collins has reached one Grand Slam final in her superb career, losing the 2022 Australian Open final to home favourite Ashleigh Barty.
In her final Grand Slam, the American will now be among the home favourites, with the US Open crowd certain to get behind the 30-year-old from day one.
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Unfortunately, however, she has been drawn against compatriot Dolehide in round one at Flushing Meadows.
It isn’t the only all-American tie early on, with another star player in Jessica Pegula set to take on Shelby Rogers.
Their compatriot and defending champion Coco Gauff meanwhile begins her title defence against Varvara Gracheva.
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