Jimmy Connors shares how he feels about Danielle Collins’ decision to retire from tennis

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Danielle Collins’ decision to retire at the end of this season has been defended by Jimmy Connors.

The American began the 2024 campaign by announcing she will hang up her racket once the year has concluded.

The 30-year-old is certainly making the most of the time she has left on tour as she is now producing the best tennis of her career.

She has the Miami and Charleston titles under her belt and is a top contender for the season’s remaining Grand Slams, which leaves many questioning the timing of her retirement.

A tennis legend supports Danielle Collins’ retirement announcement

Many of those within the tennis world have had plenty to say about Collins’ retirement decision, especially when she raised her level of play.

After the World Number 12 reached the Italian Open semi-finals for the first time, Connors defended his fellow American’s choice to retire at the the top of her game and start a new chapter of her life.

“But then I want to say on the other hand, there’s more to life than just tennis and while you’re playing it, while you’re in the grind, while you’re competing against the best players and giving it your all, you kind of forget that,” he said on the latest episode of the ‘Advantage Connors’ podcast. “And that’s why I kind of respect her no matter what decision she makes.

“Whether she retires at the end of this year or she keeps playing, I respect her for her thoughts and understanding that tennis is your life, it’s your game, it’s what you do now, but that doesn’t last forever. So her decision, whatever she does, I’m happy for her results now and you know what, I’m proud of her.”

Why is Danielle Collins retiring from tennis at the end of the season?

Collins has decided to retire due to health reasons and her desire to start a family.

She is battling rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis, and the latter can cause infertility by blocking fallopian tubes or impacting egg quality.

With the possibility of suffering the same condition, Collins took measures to ensure she can fulfil her dream of becoming a mother.

“Being a mom is one of my biggest dreams outside of the court,” she told Good Morning America in April.

“When people ask about retirement, I’m like, ‘This is not something that I can really wait much longer. I’m going to be 31 at the end of the year so I feel like it’s time.'”