Danielle Collins played her final Grand Slam singles match at the US Open on Tuesday, but she refused to have a ceremony celebrating her afterward.
Collins did not have ideal preparation for the US Open. She suffered a heat stroke at the Olympics, which led to an injury that caused her to retire in the women's singles quarterfinal at the games against Iga Swiatek.
That quarterfinal was also notable for a heated moment when the American shook hands with the world No. 1. The 30-year-old accused her of being insincere when she asked about her injury, leaving the Pole stunned.
Swiatek said a few days later that she still had no idea why Collins was so angry. Neither woman is likely to elaborate any further on the surprising incident that left fans confused and shocked.
Due to her physical problems, Collins was unable to play at the Canadian or Cincinnati Open before the US Open. Her only match was last week at the Monterrey Open, where she lost to Erika Andreeva.
That meant this year's Miami Open champion was undercooked before her opening round against Caroline Dolehide, who usually plays her best tennis on North American hard courts. The younger American proved her credentials on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Despite losing the first set 6-1, Dolehide recovered to prevail 1-6, 7-5, 6-4. Unfortunately for Collins, she was too erratic with her shots, making nearly 50 unforced errors.
The 2022 Australian runner-up was offered a post-match ceremony after the match, but she declined. Collins was asked about that in her press conference, and the world No. 11 said she did not like celebrating her achievements.
"Yeah, I'm still in the doubles, and I had requested not to have any presentation on the court. I'm not somebody that, like, likes to celebrate my accomplishments."
Collins then made a fascinating admission. She said feeling guilty about her success is something she has struggled with. Therefore, having that personality means moments that are all about her are difficult.
"I've struggled with feeling guilt, you know, around success, and that's something I have had to work on. So I'm not great, honestly, at having, like an all-about-me moment."
"I just, yeah, would prefer to do something like that maybe in private, you know. But I feel like I've gotten enough attention to last a lifetime."
Some fans on social media did not react positively to Collins' decision not to have a ceremony. They claimed the American was doing it to gain attention or because she was too arrogant to spend time on court with the fans.
However, these responses are harsh and uncalled for. Players can be sensitive about making a final Grand Slam appearance, especially when it is a home Grand Slam, and Collins is perfectly entitled to reject a ceremony if that is her preference.
Collins has always been a unique personality. Some fans like it more than others, but no one can deny she has generated attention to the sport by being herself and having great results with her style.