"Danielle Collins has got to be rethinking that": Jimmy Connors on compatriot 'struggling mentally' with retirement decision amid stellar run of form

Danielle Collins announced at the Australian Open in January that she will retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2024 season. However, Jimmy Connors believes that Collins is likely struggling with that decision as she continues her stellar run of form on tour.

Since announcing her decision to retire, Collins has clinched her maiden WTA 1000 title at the Miami Open, triumphed at the Charleston Open and made a run to the semifinals of the Italian Open.

In light of her recent success, there have been questions raised over the American's decision. However, despite facing persistent calls to reconsider, the 30-year-old has remained resolute in her desire to end her career and prioritize starting a family.

Nevertheless, Jimmy Connors recently speculated about the possibility of Danielle Collins reassessing her retirement plans. On the latest episode of the 'Advantage Connors' podcast, Connors lavished praise on the World No. 12's recent performances, noting that her confidence must be at an all-time high heading into the French Open.

"The way she’s (Danielle Collins) played the last 6-7 weeks and the results she has had. Her confidence has got to be at an all time high. She’s won a couple of tournaments, she’s been in the semifinals in Rome which is a 1000 tournament," he said (at 4:12).

"And going into the French Open, her feeling about her game and her confidence and the way she feels about herself in general. Not just her game but her mental and physical abilities to stay in there and really grind with the best players," he added.

The eight-time Grand Slam champion also suggested that Collins' impressive run of form might be causing her to "struggle" mentally and rethink her decision to retire.

"And I’m happy to see that because she’s kind of struggling mentally with what she wants to do. Is she going to retire? Is she not going to retire? With her success these last couple of weeks, she’s got to be rethinking that," Connors said.

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Jimmy Connors: "There’s more to life than just tennis... that’s why I respect Danielle Collins"

Danielle Collins

Despite speculating about Danielle Collins rethinking her retirement plans, Jimmy Connors expressed pride and respect for her decision to prioritize life beyond tennis.

"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. And that’s why I kind of respect her no matter what decision she makes," he said.

"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," he added.

Connors also pointed out the irony of the 30-year-old's career trajectory, highlighting that she had been grinding for years only for her career to explode after announcing her decision to retire.

"She stayed in there and she’s been grinding and trying to be successful and then all of a sudden she makes a decision that there’s other things in left that are better and all of a sudden boom, her game blossoms. That’s pretty exciting and I’m proud of her for that," Connors said.

Danielle Collins is competing at the WTA 500 Internationaux de Strasbourg ahead of the French Open. The American takes on Katerina Siniakova in her opening match.