'We’re not all meant to get along': Danielle Collins opens up on past tension with Iga Swiatek

Former World No. 8 Danielle Collins opened up about her relationship with Iga Swiatek following her third-round loss at Wimbledon. The American had a tense exchange with the Polish star at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where their handshake at the net sparked controversy after Swiatek's victory.

That match saw Swiatek — now a five-time Grand Slam champion — advance to the quarterfinals, while Collins, who was in the middle of a strong season, took a medical timeout in the second set and retired shortly after, trailing 1-4. Collins approached Swiatek at the net with a comment that wasn’t picked up by broadcast microphones, but the tension was evident.

“I told Iga she didn't have to be insincere about my injury,” Collins later explained. “There’s a lot that happens on camera, and there are a lot of people with a ton of charisma who come across one way on camera and another way in the locker room.”

Nearly a year later, the two met again — this time on Centre Court at Wimbledon. Swiatek earned a straightforward 6-2, 6-3 win, avenging her loss to Collins at the Rome Open two months ago and securing a place in the fourth round.

This time, there was no controversy on court, and Collins had little answer for Swiatek’s power and precision. When asked about her current relationship with the world No. 4, Collins was direct:

“I don’t think we’re all destined to get along well with each other. Iga is a great player, I am her rival, and at the end of the day, we compete with each other. That’s it,” the 2024 Miami Open champion said according to The Tennis Gazette. “I just prefer to settle things directly with a person. I don’t talk about people behind their backs, and if there is a problem, I settle it with the person.”

The world No. 54 announced she is ending her grass-court swing and will take a few weeks off before returning at the WTA 1000 Montreal Open, starting July 28. Swiatek, meanwhile, remains in the Wimbledon draw and will face Clara Tauson in the fourth round on Monday.