History and Motivation
History may not always repeat itself, but it can inspire change. Before her match against World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, Danielle Collins had faced the five-time Grand Slam champion eight times, winning only once.
Learning from Past Matches
“Despite my losses to Iga, I’ve learned valuable lessons from those encounters,” Collins, the No. 29 seed, noted. “Even in losing, I’ve played some of my best tennis, which helped boost my confidence. I focused on executing my game style with greater precision this time.”
A Stunning Upset
In a remarkable turn, Collins achieved a surprising 6-1, 7-5 victory over Swiatek. Her performance demonstrated impressive clarity and power, finishing with 32 winners and just 15 unforced errors. In contrast, Swiatek struggled with only 15 winners and 22 errors, converting just 2 of 10 break-point opportunities.
Confidence in Aggression
“My game is quite aggressive, which can lead to risks,” Collins explained. “However, trusting myself in key moments and not hesitating to go after my shots was essential in this match.”
Swiatek’s Challenge
This loss raises questions about Swiatek’s recent form. Having dominated at Rome for several years, she now heads into the French Open without a title under her belt since last year’s championship. The confidence that had anchored her success seems to have diminished.
Service Game Issues
Swiatek’s struggles were evident, particularly in her service game, where she double-faulted under pressure and won just five points on serve in four games. She ultimately lost crucial break points, including five consecutive to Collins.
Looking Ahead
The defeat marks Swiatek’s ninth loss this season, matching her total for the entire previous year. Collins, meanwhile, celebrated her first Top 10 victory in over a year, and will face No. 16 Elina Svitolina in the next round.
