Iga Swiatek reveals losing to Danielle Collins in Rome felt like "a cold shower," but insists not because of her tense past with the American.
This year, the Pole suffered her earliest exit at Foro Italico for the first time since 2020 after the world No. 64 handed her a 6-1 7-5 defeat in the third round.
It was pretty much a poor display from Swiatek, who sprayed 22 unforced errors, three double faults, saved only two of eight break points she faced, while also realizing just two of her 10 break points opportunities. On the other side, Collins played very aggressively and finished the match with 32 winners.
In Rome, Swiatek is usually a dominant force, having won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022, as well as capturing the title in 2024. And after failing to defend her title in Foro Italico this year, the Pole left the top-2 for the first time since 2022.
Now, reflecting on her early exit in Rome this year, the 24-year-old says she didn't feel like herself on the court at all.
Swiatek: The Collins loss in Rome was definitely a cold shower
"Yes, that was definitely a cold shower. Honestly, not even because of the rival, but the moment I was in and how I looked on the court. It wasn't something I strive for, and it was rather a cold shower," the six-time Grand Slam champion revealed during a conversation with TVP Sport.
As you probably know, Swiatek and Collins don't have the best of relationships. After losing to the Pole at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 32-year-old approached the world No. 2 and told her something that left the 24-year-old staring in disbelief. Later, the American told the press that the 24-year-old was "fake" and "insincere."
After losing to Collins in Rome, Swiatek got a chance to play the American once again at Wimbledon. That time, the former world No. 1 handled the business and easily won 6-2 6-3.
