In a stunning upset at the 2025 Italian Open, American Danielle Collins defeated defending champion Iga Swiatek 6-1, 7-5 in the third round, halting Swiatek’s quest for a fourth Rome title and highlighting her recent struggles on clay.
Collins’ Dominant Performance
Collins, seeded 29th, showcased aggressive play, firing 32 winners and breaking Swiatek’s serve six times. Her fearless approach disrupted Swiatek’s rhythm, leading to a straight-sets victory in just 1 hour and 44 minutes.
Swiatek’s Declining Form
This loss marks Swiatek’s ninth defeat in 2025, equaling her total losses from the previous year. She has yet to reach a clay-court final this season, raising concerns ahead of her French Open title defense.
Ranking Implications
The defeat will see Swiatek drop from world No. 2 to at least No. 4 in the WTA rankings, ending her three-year tenure in the top two.
As the French Open approaches, Swiatek faces the challenge of regaining her form and confidence. Meanwhile, Collins’ victory positions her as a formidable contender on the clay circuit
