Iga Swiatek hits back at French Open suggestion after shock early exit at Italian Open

Iga Swiatek suffered a disappointing defeat in Rome

Iga Swiatek said she “didn’t care” about other players’ experiences after a shock third-round exit at the Italian Open. Swiatek was the defending champion in Rome but she suffered a 6-1 7-5 defeat to Danielle Collins on Saturday - her earliest loss at a WTA 1000 event in almost four years. Swiatek’s form is now a serious question mark heading into the French Open, where she is a four-time champion and has not lost a match since 2021. While some players have often been able to regroup and show their best level when they return to certain special tournaments in their careers, Swiatek wasn’t interested in comparing herself to those people. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The world No. 2 has suffered some uncharacteristic defeats in recent months. She blew match points against Madison Keys at the Australian Open, lost to teenage qualifier Alexandra Eala in Miami, and, last week in Madrid, suffered a bruising 6-1 6-1 defeat to Coco Gauff. Still, Swiatek had consistently managed to reach the quarter-finals and semi-finals at every event she played. But it was a different story in Rome, where she was sent packing in the third round. The 23-year-old took almost four hours to regroup before speaking to the media on Saturday, but she didn’t sound keen on discussing the upcoming French Open. Swiatek has been a dominant force at Roland Garros. While she has yet to reach the same heights as Rafael Nadal, who won 14 titles on the Parisian clay, Nadal had plenty of seasons in which he looked rusty on the clay and still managed to come out on top at the French.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek lost to Danielle Collins in the third round

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But the five-time Major winner didn’t want to compare herself to anyone. When one reporter noted that some players had a “certain feeling” at particular Grand Slam events, she replied: “I don't care what other people had. There's no point to compare.” Swiatek was also asked about the feelings she had whenever she returned to Stade Roland Garros, but again, she didn’t entertain it. “It doesn't matter what things I get. Every year is different, so... Doesn't matter,” the disappointed world No. 2 said. It’s no surprise Swiatek is feeling dejected following her latest defeat. After losing in the Madrid Open semi-final, she admitted she hadn’t felt good on court throughout the tournament despite winning four matches. And she failed to bounce back in Rome.

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