Wimbledon management opts for Djokovic over retiring Collins

America’s tennis star Danielle Collins has been once again denied an opportunity to play at the centre court at Wimbledon. The third Grand Slam of the year is moving towards its conclusion as the remaining players are giving their all to secure the ultimate prize.

Collins, who has already announced that she will be retiring from the sport at the end of the 2024 season, is still alive in the women’s singles category. She has booked her place in the fourth round after beating Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia in the third round in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

With that win, it was expected that Collins might finally get her wish to play at the centre court at least one more time before hanging her boot, but the management has denied that opportunity. As per the report, that decision was taken to accommodate the men’s world number two and Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic, who is set to face off Denmark’s Holger Rune in the round of 16.

The 37-year-old, who is often regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles, booked his place in the fourth round after beating Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in a four-set clash with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.

Earlier, Collins expressed her desire to play at the centre court at least once before calling it quits. “I've played on Centre Court before in doubles during my semi-final match here with my friend, Des, who I'm playing Olympics with this year,” she said. “That was one of my most cherished memories on court being able to play on Centre Court. It's such a surreal experience. It's been such an honour to be able to get to have that experience, but it would be really cool to be able to play singles on that court as well.”