PARIS (AP) — Iga Swiatek Hit by Ball, Danielle Collins Calls Her Insincere
In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris Olympics, tennis star Iga Swiatek found herself at the center of controversy after being hit by a ball during her quarterfinal match against Danielle Collins. The incident, however, was overshadowed by a post-match dispute where Collins accused Swiatek of insincerity regarding her injury.
Swiatek, the top-seeded woman and a five-time Grand Slam champion, was leading 6-2, 1-6, 4-1 when Collins, citing an injured stomach muscle due to cramping and dehydration, retired from the match. Collins, who had previously struggled with heat-related issues, expressed her frustration in a heated conversation with Swiatek, accusing her of not being genuine about her injury.
"There’s a lot that happens on camera. And there are a lot of people with a ton of charisma ... (who) are one way on camera and another way in the locker room," Collins stated, adding, "I don’t need the fakeness."
The match was halted when Swiatek was struck by a backhand from Collins. The impact was significant, causing Swiatek to drop her racket and clutch her midsection. Collins immediately approached her opponent to check on her condition, and the chair umpire also intervened. Swiatek, visibly in pain, eventually recovered and indicated she could continue.
Post-match, when asked about the conversation with Collins, Swiatek deferred the question, stating, "I think it’s better to ask her."
Collins, who reached the final at the 2022 Australian Open, has been vocal about the conditions at the Olympics, criticizing the organizers for inadequate provisions, including insufficiently cooled water, which she believes contributed to her health issues.
Swiatek, seeking her first Olympic medal, will now face sixth-seeded Zheng Qinwen of China in the semifinals. The ongoing tournament has seen its share of upsets and dramatic moments, with players battling not just each other but also the challenging conditions.
As the competition continues, the focus remains not only on the athletic prowess of the players but also on the human elements that often come to the fore in high-stakes competitions like the Olympics.