“I started doing a more specific diet once I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis because there’s things that can kind of trigger flare-ups,” Danielle Collins shared back in 2020. After all, the former 10th seed had already endured a challenging stretch, battling an abdominal tear that sidelined her after the Australian Open just as the COVID-19 shutdown hit in 2020. Since then, she’s committed to a dairy-free, gluten-free, largely plant-based lifestyle, often cooking vegan meals at home. But life on tour isn’t so forgiving, is it? Now in Strasbourg, Collins opens up about the relentless challenge of maintaining that diet on the road.
In a riveting All-American clash at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, Danielle Collins triumphed over 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin in a dramatic 3-set encounter. Collins came out firing, seizing the opening set 6-1 with her trademark intensity. But Kenin roared back in the 2nd, breaking Collins’ rhythm to take it 6-1 and level the match.
The deciding set saw Danimal regaining control, powering through with a composed 6-2 finish to seal the victory. And following the match, Collins opened up about the less glamorous side of the sport, revealing the one major hurdle that makes tennis travel especially grueling for her.
Speaking to the Tennis Channel after her gritty win, Collins opened up about a lesser-known struggle she faces on tour. “I have a little kitchen which is nice to have on the road, because like for someone like me like I have a couple of allergies, and it is so difficult like on the road. I mean, we’re so fortunate obviously, to like be able to do this for a living, but when you have food allergies like traveling and eating out is a really difficult thing. And when I’m at home, I’m so good with being able to consistently get what I need,” Collins shared.
Tennis – Italian Open – Foro Italico, Rome, Italy – May 15, 2024 Danielle Collins of the U.S. celebrates winning her quarter final match against Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
She also emphasized how crucial it is to have access to a kitchen while competing away from home. “But on the road, it’s just such a challenge. And the weeks that we can have the luxury of like having a kitchen is like so important. The nutrition, like side of things, like you know it doesn’t get talked about enough. But and I and I am a little bit like a little crunchy granola. But yeah, I’m a little picky about you know what I eat and put into my body,” she continued.
“But yeah it’s very very difficult. I was like, you know, at a tournament recently, and I was like, I really need to get food, I was after traveling, and they were like ‘Here, like have a sandwich in the airport.’ And I was like, I told them what my allergy was, and they were like Whatever.” Collins concluded.
The noted dietary considerations arise from Collins’ enduring management of rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis. Last year, Collins stunned fans when she announced her retirement plans on Instagram, citing her desire to start a family and focus on her health. “You know, this past couple of weeks, going through all of those appointments and just trying to work through all of the information that you get during the process, it’s been hard at times,” she later explained when addressing her U-turn on retirement.
Now competing at the Strasbourg Open, Collins remains focused despite the uphill battle with her daily diet. While she began her campaign with a triumph, the recognition she has received lately far exceeds that of January.
Aussie WTA ace highlights Danielle Collins’ thoughtful side
The 2025 Australian Open featured plenty of drama, but Danielle Collins’ intense second-round match against Australian wildcard Destanee Aiava was particularly memorable. A lively home crowd cheered enthusiastically for Aiava and booed Collins at every opportunity. Frustrated by the disruption, the American snapped and shouted “shut up!” towards the stands during her service.
Instead of letting it get to her, Collins leaned into the chaotic atmosphere, responding to the taunts with sarcastic kisses, cupping her ear, and making derisive gestures. After securing her victory, Collins delivered a cheeky parting remark, thanking the hecklers for “paying my bills.”
On May 13, Aiava offered her take during an interview on “The Sit-Down”, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play at the AO as a wildcard and making it to round two. She recounted the tense moment with a little humor, saying, “It ended and I lost, and then I was walking up to the net and I just saw her do her thing and I was like, ‘oh, I should probably not look that way and ignore”.
Despite the theatrics, Aiava emphasized Collins’ graciousness, sharing, “But after the match, she was really lovely to me at the net. She messaged me as well, which I really respect, and she was so kind to me. So I could only say good things about her.”
The match atmosphere had turned hostile, especially in the 2nd set, as crowd reactions intensified. Aiava, however, stayed focused. “I tried to avoid what she was doing on the court, and yeah, just let her do her thing. But I’m really grateful that I had that kind of experience as well. I feel like you don’t really get those kinds of matches too often.” she added.
Now, after beating Sofia Kenin in the R32, Collins prepares to face British star Emma Raducanu. Can she beat the Brit to en route to the last 8?
The post Danielle Collins Exposes the One Thing That’s Made Tennis Travel a Nightmare appeared first on EssentiallySports.
