Danielle Collins’ first-round loss to Taylor Townsend at the Cincinnati Open was more than just a defeat—it was a moment of visible anguish. Battling a herniated disc, Collins broke down during the second-set tiebreak, screaming toward her coaching box, “Why is this happening to me?” Her emotional outburst quickly circulated online, sparking both concern and criticism.
The backlash and her response
In the wake of the match, Collins took to Instagram to address the wave of online commentary. Her message was direct and unapologetic: “Anyone who has a herniated disc knows my pain. It’s no surprise the keyboard warriors can’t understand or relate, as they’ve been too busy sitting on their asses judging people who show up and try to give it their best even on days that suck.” She also expressed gratitude to those who had supported her and praised Townsend for her sportsmanship.
Townsend’s gesture and Collins’ gratitude
Taylor Townsend’s act of kindness—retrieving Collins’ equipment after the match—did not go unnoticed. Collins thanked her publicly, calling her “the best of the best.” The moment highlighted the camaraderie that can exist even in competitive settings, especially when one athlete is clearly struggling.
Collins’ ongoing health challenges
This isn’t the first time Collins has faced physical adversity. In addition to her current back injury, she has previously dealt with arthritis and endometriosis, conditions that have impacted her career trajectory. Despite these challenges, she continues to compete at the highest level, drawing strength from the support of fellow players and fans.
Looking ahead to the US Open
With the US Open approaching, questions remain about Collins’ fitness and ability to compete. Her Cincinnati performance, while emotionally charged, underscores the resilience she brings to the court. Whether she plays or not, her message has resonated with many—especially those who understand the toll of pushing through pain in pursuit of excellence.
Danielle Rose Collins in 2025
Now ranked no.57, the American played her last match on the 8th of August when she was defeated by world no.125 Taylor Townsend 6-4 7-6(2) in the 1st round in Cincinnati (draw).
This year Collins has an overall 15-13 win-loss record. Danielle Rose Collins’s best result of the current season was reaching the semifinal in Strasbourg.