American tennis star Danielle Collins has accused her opponent, Iga Swiatek, of being "insincere" following an intense Paris Olympics quarterfinals match on Wednesday. Collins retired from the match due to an injured stomach muscle, and after the match, she expressed her frustration with the match officials and Swiatek.
American tennis star Danielle Collins has ripped her opponent, Iga Swiatek, after their intense Paris Olympics quarterfinals match on Wednesday.
Collins retired from the match in a close battle. Swiatek was leading 6-2, 1-6, 4-1 when Collins needed a medical timeout over an injured stomach muscle.
Danielle Collins Rips Iga Swiatek for 'Insincerity' After Heated Olympics Match
After the match, Collins said she accused Swiatek of being "insincere" 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 said after the match. "I don’t need the fakeness."
Danielle Collins Rips Iga Swiatek for 'Insincerity' After Heated Olympics Match
Collins, who is set to retire after the 2024 season, also took issue with Olympic organizers for not having insulated bottles of water in the high Paris heat.
"Nearly collapsed when I came off court, and I was on a medical table for three hours," Collins said. "It did a number on my body. When you have full body cramps from your toes to your neck, and when you’ve suffered heatstroke, it’s very, very difficult to come out here."
Danielle Collins Rips Iga Swiatek for 'Insincerity' After Heated Olympics Match
Collins and Swiatek were seen in a heated post-match conversation. When asked about it, Swiatek told reporters to ask the American star.
Swiatek did feel the effects of the heat. She had a hard time getting out of the way of a shot from Collins.
"I could not breathe for a moment. It hurt for a bit," Swiatek said. "But with the adrenaline that you have on court, you don’t feel as much as you should."
She got back up and continued.
Swiatek will face off against China’s Zheng Qinwen in the semifinals.
The incident marks a rare display of on-court acrimony in tennis, which is typically known for its sportsmanship and camaraderie among players. The fact that it occurred between two of the sport's top stars, and during a high-stakes Olympic match, has made the incident all the more newsworthy.
Collins, a former Australian Open semifinalist, is known for her fiery personality and outspoken nature. She has a history of criticizing opponents and officials, and she has often been involved in on-court controversies.
Swiatek, on the other hand, is one of the most popular and respected players in the world. She is known for her humility and graciousness, and she has rarely been involved in any sort of controversy.
The incident between Collins and Swiatek has divided opinion among tennis fans. Some believe that Collins was out of line for accusing Swiatek of being insincere, while others believe that Swiatek may have been exaggerating her injury.
Regardless of who is right or wrong, the incident is sure to be a talking point in the tennis world for some time to come.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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