“The lack of empathy has been really sad to see”: Danielle Collins sparks debate with statement on U.S. political situation

Danielle Collins left a statement on social media that generated debate among fans after sharing her opinion on the current situation in the United States. The former Australian Open runner-up marked a difference from several of her American colleagues, who avoided commenting on political topics when asked during press conferences throughout the tournament.

Collins joined Tennis Channel this time to comment on the Australian Open, after choosing to take a break from the courts due to undergoing the egg freezing process. The former world No. 7 serves as a commentator and analyst for the television network during this brief pause in her career.

The 32-year-old player is currently ranked No. 77 and does not yet have a set date for her return, although it is expected to be in the coming months of 2026.

While away from the courts, Collins responded to a round of questions on social media, where one topic she addressed was the current political situation in the United States — amid ICE detentions and Border Patrol operations, which have led to some violent incidents, in the context of social instability under the government of Donald Trump.

“It’s been hard to find the right words or words at all... The lack of empathy so many people have towards those who may have been dealt a different set of cards in life has been really sad to see,” Collins wrote in her Instagram stories. “I don’t understand why bad things continue to happen to good people, or why children have to get taken from their parents or watch their parents disappear.”

“The lack of compassion and empathy for humanity that we keep seeing in these horrific videos is beyond devastating,” the American added. “My heart goes out to every single person facing injustice. I really hope and pray God will give back abundantly and tenfold to those who have lost loved ones or are living through displacement, and are able to find self-sovereignty after dealing with such traumatic events.”

“I also hope and pray that some of the people causing this type of pain and suffering can do some hard work inside the dark places of their heart,” Collins concluded.

The political topic was also raised during press conferences with several American players, although many avoided responding. “I mean, not sure what we’re like specifically talking about, but there is a lot going on in the U.S., and I don’t know. I feel like whatever I say here is going to end up in a headline and get taken out of context. So, I’d really rather not do something that’s going to cause a big distraction for me in the middle of the tournament,” said Taylor Fritz.

Australian Open defending champion Madison Keys commented: “My stance has been pretty obvious. I think it’s pretty obvious where I stand, and I am hopeful that we, as a country, can come together and return to the values that I think make our country great,” she explained. “I am not a fan of divisiveness, and I think the beauty of the U.S. is we are a mixing pot. We are very diverse. We are a home of immigrants. And I hope that we can get back to those values.”

Meanwhile, two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff appeared more cautious in sharing her opinion: “At this point, I feel a bit fatigued talking about it just because it is hard being a Black woman in this country and having to experience things, even online, and seeing marginalized communities being affected, and knowing that I can only donate and speak out. I try my best to do that. But I hope that as time continues, we can reach a state that we’re not currently in, and we keep moving forward.”