Danielle Collins demolishes defending champion Iga Swiatek

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It was anticipated to be a popcorn match with extra salt, given the backstory and drama between the two right-handers.

Instead, Saturday afternoon’s drama was confined to a masterclass in scintillating tennis, thanks to American Danielle Collins.

On what was tipped as ‘Super Saturday’ at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, world No 35 Collins defeated world No 2 Iga Swiatek at Foro Italico in straight sets, 6-1, 7-5.

But the prediction and expectation was to the contrary.

The stats favoured Iga Swiatek, who had led 8-1 in their previous match-ups.

The Polish player was also the defending champion at Foro Italico.

‘History-maker’

A history-maker, Swiatek is the third player in the Open era to win 20+ consecutive main draw matches at the Italian Open after Conchita Martinez and Serena Williams.

Despite these feats, Swiatek’s performance today, much like her year to date, was erratic.

The first set was over in just under 30 minutes.

Collins played lights-out tennis, taking control early on, and capitalising on Swiatek’s struggling serve, punctuated by double faults and unforced errors (a total of 22, versus Collins’ 15).

Collins overpowered, and converted break point opportunities, playing with a level of clarity and intensity unmatched by Swiatek.

The second set provided a change in momentum.

Swiatek appeared to get some of her mojo back by moving, coming to the net more and earning some break points in the process.

But it proved futile.

Collins saved three match points, before winning after a Swiatek backhand return sailed wide.

What happened to the defending champion today?

Perhaps their salty history had occupied Swiatek’s mind.

It began at the Paris Olymics 2024, when Collins informed Swiatek during their match that she was retiring, due to an abdominal injury.

Collins later told press that she had found Swiatek’s sympathy fake: “I told Iga she didn’t have to be insincere about, you know, my injury” and that she didn’t need the fakeness.

The saltiness continued in January when Collins posted a photo on her Instagram account of her rolling her eyes when shaking Swiatek’s hand.

The capture entertained her enough for her to make it her profile pic!

Today, the ‘Danimal’, needed no salt to season the clay on Campo Centrale.

After the match, Amisha Savani of The South African asked Collins how she felt the clay had been playing in Rome.

“Yeah, I mean, I have always enjoyed playing in Rome. I think the court that I played on today is a little bit faster than some of the other courts on the grounds, which is good for my game.

“I feel like for some reason I’ve missed a lot of clay court seasons throughout my career because of health challenges, injuries, this and that.

“It is one of my favourite surfaces to play on. I did win a title on clay in Palermo. It’s a part of the season I really do enjoy because I do think the clay is so special.

“It’s kind of nice on the body, as well – I’m not going to lie – compared to the hard courts.

“I’m just really embracing getting to get these matches on the clay. I really wish we had, like, a longer clay court season”.

Collins certainly made up for those lost clay seasons on Saturday.

She will face Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in Round 4.

Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia at the Foro Italico, Rome