“Wanted to come on here and give everyone a little update since everyone has been asking,” wrote Collins.
“I’ve been taking the last few months off to recover from the back injury I had at the end of the season. I’ve also been undergoing a few egg freezing procedures.
“It’s been one of the coolest things I’ve honestly ever done! But at the same time these hormones I have had to be on are a real b****.
“I am so fortunate for the friends that have been helping take care of me during this time. I have one more procedure to go.”
Following her announcement, Collins explained that she would be sidelined for part of the forthcoming calendar to recover from her medical procedures. Nevertheless, supporters will still be able to enjoy her commentary on matches when they take place.
“With all of this, I will not be competing during the first part of the year,” she added.
“But you will be seeing me in a different capacity with @tennischannel. This is all I will be sharing for now. More updates to come.”
When the tournament’s entry list was initially published, Collins was amongst the prominent absentees from the 2026 event. Ons Jabeur’s will also be skipping the Australian Open, having stepped away from tennis due to her pregnancy.
Last year, Collins crashed out in the third round to eventual winner Madison Keys. Throughout her campaign, she defeated Destanee Aiava and following their encounter, Collins revealed her crowd interactions were entirely lighthearted.
“I loved it,” Collins said. “I’ve been doing this my whole life, and I love playing in a crowd that has energy, regardless of what side they’re on.
“I’m somebody too, like, it kind of just motivates me even more, so it’s kind of a good thing, especially when I’m not playing that well.
“I think it really helped me in the end, and just helped me concentrate more and challenged me at times, and yeah, pushed me kind of through the finish line.”
The American observed that every supporter who engaged with her helped to cover her expenses.
She added: “Every person that’s bought a ticket to come out here and heckle me or do what they do, it’s all going towards the Danielle Collins fund. Yeah, bring it on. I love it.”