World No. 10 Danielle Collins says the last few months and the questions she has been constantly receiving have shown her that not many people have empathy for personal struggles.
Since revealing her plans to end her pro tennis journey at some point this year, Collins has achieved some of the best results of her career and many believe this is the best tennis she has ever played. But when Collins’ farewell started being a very impressive one, she started constantly receiving questions about the possibility of her changing her mind.
Collins then noted that she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2019 and also with endometriosis in 2021. The endometriosis diagnosis is especially painful because it is making it harder for Collins to get pregnant – and becoming a mother is one of her biggest life goals.
“Some research estimates, external up to 30-50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility, and time isn’t on my side either. I have a smaller window available to get pregnant and to make sure that hopefully happens,” Collins wrote in her column for the BBC.
Danielle Collins © Getty Images Sport – Dan Istitene
Collins: I revealed my personal struggle but there is no much empathy
When opening up about her diagnosis and how it is negatively impacting her life, Collins certainly hoped that would stop reporters from asking certain questions. But it didn’t happen.
“In a press conference a few days ago someone said ‘what could change your mind?'” Collins said.
“I found myself once again explaining how I have had multiple surgeries and seen multiple medical professionals.
“I’ve been advised by doctors that my pregnancy journey should begin as soon as possible, given the severity of my endometriosis.
“Through this experience I have found most people aren’t very empathetic to the struggles others go through.”
Meanwhile, Collins started her French Open campaign with a 6-3 6-4 win over Caroline Dolehide but then suffered a 7-6 (3) 5-7 4-6 loss to Olga Danilovic in her following match..
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