“I was able to kind of make the adjustments from past losses and execute really well, like I feel like my timing was really on.” This is what American WTA star Danielle Collins had to say after upsetting Iga Swiatek last week in Rome. The former World No.1 and four-time Roland Garros queen, known for her clay dominance, had no answer to Collins’ amazing performance at the Italian Open in R32. Prior to this face-off, many believed it to be a one-sided contest in favor of the Pole. But the American proved them all wrong with a straight-set win. However, it seems Collins’ joy of victory faded away in the aftermath of Swiatek’s defeat.
Firstly, Collins handed a breadstick to Swiatek in the first set. And then she eventually snatched the match with a final score line of 6-1, 7-5. Before this match, the Pole was leading the 31-year-old with a 7-1 lead in h2h tally. But sometimes, as in the case of the American, past stats take a backseat when a player defies the odds. Because of her, Swiatek couldn’t make it to R16 of a WTA 1000 event after four years. After earning such results, celebration always becomes inevitable, right? Not for Collins, unfortunately.
The American WTA pro is currently competing in Strasbourg where she earned a win over compatriot Sofia Kenin in the first round. On Monday, Collins beat Kenin in a decider, with a score line of 6-1, 1-6, 6-2. After the match, she sat down for a brief interaction with Tennis Channel where she was asked to reflect back on her tremendous win over Swiatek. When asked how she felt after upsetting the Pole on her favorite surface, Collins wasn’t too pleased.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Tennis – Women’s Singles Third Round – Roland-Garros Stadium, Paris, France – July 30, 2024. Danielle Collins of United States reacts during her match against Camila Osorio of Colombia. REUTERS/Claudia Greco
While she was proud of her efforts against the five-time slam queen, a void could be felt clearly inside her. Why? She revealed, “Yeah, I thought I played really well against Iga. I didn’t get a lot of credit for it, like after the match.” How come? “Of course it’s just, you know, more of how poorly she played and everything.”
Seems like Swiatek’s struggles with form overshadowed Collins’ brilliance and the result. “That can make it difficult to be able to celebrate your wins sometimes when you feel like you have a good match or playing well and it’s just like, uh, whatever.”
But then again, Collins is not looking to past glory to prove herself. It’s time to look forward and focus on upcoming challenges, especially ahead of the Roland Garros. After ousting Swiatek in Rome, Collins soon faced the exit in the R16 against Elina Svitolina, over whom she could not prevail. This week, she’s participating in a new event at the Strasbourg Open. While she may have begun the campaign with a win, the journey is still far from over.
Danielle Collins looks to replicate her 2024 run in Strasbourg this week
For the uninitiated, Danielle Collins has had a great experience in Strasbourg lately. Considering her previous appearance, it seems she’s got the potential to pull off another stunning run. Last season, the World No.46 managed to reach the summit clash of the WTA 500 event.
After clinching the titles in Miami and then Charleston, in 2024, it seemed Collins would win her third trophy as well. Unfortunately, she failed to do so after her compatriot Madison Keys won the final with a score line of 6-1, 6-2.
Despite the loss, Danimal didn’t take the outcome too seriously. “I never like losing in the finals, but if I’m gonna lose to someone, I don’t mind losing to you, cause you know, we’re American buddies.” she told he former pen pal, Keys during the presentation ceremony.
The previous campaign will surely give Collins a boost of confidence to Collins this week in Strasbourg. After besting compatriot Kenin in R32, she will now go against British star Emma Raducanu on Wednesday. The latter is coming off her R32 victory against Aussie Daria Kasatkina on Monday. So far, Collins and the 2021 US Open champion haven’t met in a WTA event. It will be intriguing to see who emerges as the ultimate winner eventually.
What are your thoughts on Collins’ prospects in Strasbourg? Let us know in the comments below.
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