Danielle Collins, an American athlete, has had one of her best seasons ever. The 30-year-old has re-entered the WTA top ten after winning 35 of her 45 matches and winning the greatest championship of her career in Miami. Collins reveals in her debut BBC Sport column at the French Open why she will retire at the conclusion of the season.
Many people have been startled by my choice to retire at a time when I was experiencing some of my most successful years of my career.
But, for me, it was critical to end on a positive note.
I’ll be 31 at the end of the year, and one of my main aspirations outside of tennis is to start a family.
Being able to have a family as a woman is difficult when your work relies on your body. It would be particularly tough to imagine playing tennis when pregnant. In addition, I have two chronic health conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (external) and endometriosis (external), both of which might influence fertility and the capacity to have children.
According to some statistics, up to 30-50% of women with endometriosis are infertile, and time is not on my side either. 
I have a limited window of opportunity to become pregnant and ensure that it happens. I, too, am an introvert who prefers to spend my time at home.
I’ve cherished my time as a professional tennis player and seeing the world. Tennis has allowed me to have
Many great encounters that I would not have had otherwise.
But I’m prepared for my next chapter.’It can be difficult to hear that I should reconsider. However, I have many supportive followers who encourage me to do so.
But I’ve found it hurtful when individuals push back.
Some individuals are ready to offer their opinions and suggestions when they don’t fully understand what you’re going through.
I’ve been quite loud about something deeply personal that many people don’t want to discuss. The only thing I have requested is that people respect my decision.
I would like to see a more open discussion on endometriosis. It’s a serious problem that could have long-term consequences for my life.
What I find more difficult is explaining my decision and how it relates to my own experience with endometriosis. People mix the issues and quickly dismiss my reality and vulnerability, instead making it all about tennis.
I find it empowering to discuss endometriosis.
I enjoy sharing my experiences so that others facing similar issues do not feel alone. At the same time, you are exposing yourself to vulnerability over a difficult matter to discuss.
Many women and people, including me, want to have children. It is difficult when you are repeatedly challenged about the subject, especially in public.
In a news conference a few days ago, someone asked, “What could change your mind?”
I found myself telling again how I’d had various procedures and seen numerous medical professionals.
Doctors have informed me that my pregnancy should begin as soon as feasible due to the severity of my endometriosis.
Through this experience, I’ve seen that most individuals aren’t really sympathetic to the difficulties that others face.
On the other hand, I’ve received wonderful support from various groups and other women who have lived with endometriosis. The wonderful messages, encouragement, and support are not forgotten. Without this support, discussing my journey would feel pointless.
Unfortunately, many people do not realise the hardships that women with endometriosis endure.
That is why I want to start my own charity to help people with endometriosis and other women’s health difficulties get the care they require.
‘I have missed weddings and funerals; I want a normal life.’
I revealed my decision after losing to Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open, but it had been planned for quite some time.
I even told my partner, whom I met at Wimbledon last year, that I would be retiring in the next year or two.
I hadn’t known him long, and I told him, “This is my life right now, but it won’t be forever.”
Many of my friends and family were already aware of my thoughts and realised that I would not have a long-lasting career.
I enjoy tennis and everything it has to offer. However, playing professional tennis presents several hurdles that I do not believe everyone is aware of.
Travel is quite taxing, and you do not get to live a normal life. I missed out on weddings, funerals, and bachelorette parties.
I’ve spent enough time living in hotel rooms, many of which were not particularly nice.
I’ve spent many days feeling unhappy, missing friends and family, feeling lonely, experiencing separation anxiety while away from my dog, and not enjoying the inability to live a normal life.
Being a professional tennis player and being alone are frequently closely linked.
Of course, tennis provided me with many other amazing experiences that were both exciting and important. However, due to the demands of our lifestyle, I missed out on some really significant ties and friendships.
It goes without saying that I am really grateful for this career. This is a fantastic chance. Tennis, however, is not a career that lasts forever. I’ve always thought of tennis as something I do, not who I am.
I’ve always wanted my tennis career to be short, nice, and unforgettable.
Danielle Collins spoke to BBC Sport’s Jonathan Jurejko at Roland Garros.
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