Danielle Collins offered a surprising reaction to Iga Swiatek’s shock second-round exit at the 2026 Miami Open against Magda Linette. Collins downplayed the significance of the loss, explaining that Swiatek shouldn’t be overly concerned.
The match, played on Friday, March 19, started in Swiatek’s favor as she stormed through the first five games and comfortably took the opening set 6-1. However, Linette adjusted her strategy after being dominated early and came back to claim the next two sets 7-5, 6-3, handing the second seed a heartbreaking loss.
While much of the tennis world has expressed concern over Swiatek’s form, Collins had a more measured perspective. She pointed out that for a player of Swiatek’s caliber, a multiple Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1, occasional dips are natural and shouldn’t be blown out of proportion.
“She is a former Grand Slam champion, multiple times. Former World No. 1. When she is on, she is easily the best player in the world. We know that. So, with her success, I wouldn’t panic too much over this. It is big win for [Magda Linette],” Danielle Collins said.
This marks one of Iga Swiatek’s worst defeats in five years. It ended her remarkable streak of 73 consecutive opening-round victories on tour, a run that had stretched all the way back to the WTA Finals in 2021.
Danielle Collins Gives Iga Swiatek’s Miami Open 2R A ‘3 Out Of 10’ Rating
Danielle Collins, who has been working with Tennis Channel as an analyst since taking a break from tennis in early 2026, went on to rate Iga Swiatek’s second-round performance at the Miami Open. She gave it a “3 out of 10”, noting that while there are a few areas Swiatek’s team needs to address, there is no reason to “panic” at this stage.
Collins said:
“Probably a 3. There are probably some things they need to adjust mentally and technically on the forehand but you can’t panic too much when you have been a World No. 1 in and won that many Grand Slams.”
According to Swiatek, the loss had a significant impact on her, as she admitted to struggling mentally with tennis in recent times. However, she remains hopeful of a turnaround and will aim to regain her form ahead of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, set to begin in mid-April.
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