Swiatek Cruises Past Collins in BNP Paribas Open Rematch
Six weeks after their intense Australian Open encounter, Iga Swiatek faced a much smoother rematch against Danielle Collins, cruising to a 6-3, 6-0 victory to advance to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.
In their previous meeting in Melbourne, Swiatek trailed Collins by two breaks before ultimately prevailing. This time, she applied the lessons learned, dominating the final nine games to secure the win in just 80 minutes.
Swiatek, the world No. 1, is celebrating the two-year anniversary of her first WTA ranking triumph in March, when she became the youngest woman to capture the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami. Her semifinal appearance in the 2023 BNP Paribas Open further solidifies her comfort level in the desert.
Despite Collins’ announcement that 2024 will be her final season, she has maintained a high level of play. The pair traded service holds early on, but Swiatek’s marathon seventh game proved pivotal. She saved two break points and won 10 of 11 points to take the opening set.
Collins’ resistance crumbled in the second set as Swiatek’s dominance grew. The Pole won six consecutive games, including a double break, to secure the match. Collins saved two break points in the final game, but Swiatek remained resolute, ending the contest with a backhand putaway.
Swiatek’s path to the title remains challenging. She could potentially face another Australian Open rival, Linda Noskova, in the third round. Noskova, the No. 26 seed, upset Swiatek in three sets in Melbourne.
