Iga Swiatek was in desperate need of a strong showing in Rome after suffering a shock defeat in Madrid last time out.
The Polish world number two suffered her worst clay court defeat in six years recently, when Swiatek lost to Coco Gauff, 1-6, 1-6, in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open.
Swiatek’s defeat was her seventh at either the quarterfinal or semi-final stage of a WTA tournament in 2025, as she continues to struggle in the latter stages of events.
Looking to bounce back in Rome, Swiatek took on Italian Wild Card Elisabetta Cocciaretto in her opening match.
Producing the kind of dominant display fans are used to seeing from the Pole, Swiatek dropped just the one game as she advanced to the third round of the Italian Open with a 6-1, 6-0 win.
During her on-court interview, Swiatek revealed what surprised her during her win over Cocciaretto.
Iga Swiatek was ‘surprised’ by the crowd support during her opening win in Rome
Speaking after her 6-1, 6-0 demolition of home favorite Cocciaretto, Swiatek shared her appreciation for the crowd on Campo Centrale.
“I was surprised honestly that you guys cheered louder for me, but I really appreciate it because it helps,” she said.
“I need this positive energy from you guys, so thank you for that, and hopefully I am going to have a chance to play in front of you as many times as possible.”
Swiatek was pleased with her second-round win, bouncing back from a tough defeat in Madrid.
“I am super happy. I fought really well and the balls were flying where I wanted, it’s a great start,” she said.
“I am happy with the performance and the way I have adjusted to this surface. As usual, I love playing in Rome, so I really enjoyed it.”
Former British tennis player Annabel Croft was also impressed with her performance as she told Sky Sports what the 23-year-old couldn’t have done ‘any better’ during the match.
“That was a really clinical display from her,” said Croft.
“Out of the blocks quickly. It was beautiful the way she opened up the court. Very short, sharp points.
“She could not have been hitting the ball any better out of the centre of the strings.”
The Pole was clinical in the big moments, converting five of her six break points against Cocciaretto, easing her way into the third round.
| Player | Aces | Double faults | First serve % | Win % on first serve | Win % on second serve | Break point conversion |
| Iga Swiatek | 1 | 0 | 63% | 59% | 75% | 5/6 (83%) |
| Elisabetta Cocciaretto | 2 | 3 | 70% | 35% | 50% | 0/0 (0%) |
Swiatek will now prepare to take on Danielle Collins in the third round on Saturday, May 10.
Danielle Collins and Iga Swiatek’s tense WTA rivalry
Swiatek and Collins played one another seven times without any controversy, before their rivalry sprang into life last Summer.
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2024 Olympics – QF | Iga Swiatek | Danielle Collins | 6-2, 1-6, 4-1 (RET) |
| 2024 Indian Wells – 2R | Iga Swiatek | Danielle Collins | 6-3, 6-0 |
| 2024 Australian Open – QF | Iga Swiatek | Danielle Collins | 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 |
| 2023 Cincinnati Open – 2R | Iga Swiatek | Danielle Collins | 6-1, 6-0 |
| 2023 Canadian Open – QF | Iga Swiatek | Danielle Collins | 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 |
| 2023 Qatar Open – 2R | Iga Swiatek | Danielle Collins | 6-0, 6-1 |
| 2022 Australian Open – SF | Danielle Collins | Iga Swiatek | 6-4, 6-1 |
| 2021 Adelaide International – QF | Iga Swiatek | Danielle Collins | 6-2, 3-0 (RET) |
At the Olympic Games, Swiatek exited the court after the first set of her quarterfinal match with Collins for a toilet break, a move many criticized.
Having led by a set to love, Collins retired due to injury in the third, and had plenty of words to say about her Polish opponent after the match.
“I told Iga [Swiatek] she didn’t have to be insincere about, you know, my injury,” Collins said.
“There’s a lot that happens on camera, and there are a lot of people with a ton of charisma and come out and are one way on camera and another way in the locker room.
“I just haven’t had the best experience, and I don’t really feel like anybody needs to be insincere. They can be the way that they are. I can accept that, and I don’t need that fakeness.”
Their rivalry was renewed earlier this year at the United Cup, when Collins appeared to roll her eyes when shaking Swiatek’s hand before Poland’s tie with the United States.
The 31-year-old was criticized for the move, but doubled down, changing her Instagram profile picture to a screenshot of the viral moment.
Often assuming the role of the villain on the WTA Tour, Collins riled up fans at the Australian Open in January, ‘thanking’ them for paying for her next holiday.
“It was a tough crowd, and figured if I am going to be out here, I better take home that bigger paycheck, so thanks for the paycheck, Australia,” she said after beating Destanee Aiava in round two.
Only time will tell if Swiatek and Collins’ ninth career meeting will stir up any more controversy, but it’ll certainly be worth looking out for.
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