**Danielle Collins Slams Iga Swiatek for ‘Fakeness’ After Heated Exchange at Olympics**

Iga Swiatek advanced to the semi-finals of the Olympics after Danielle Collins retired in the third set, but the match was marred by a heated exchange between the two players. The incident occurred after Swiatek was hit by a ball during the match, causing her to drop to her knees in pain. Collins, who was forced to retire due to a stomach injury, was seen exchanging heated words with Swiatek at the end of the match.

According to Collins, she told Swiatek that she didn’t have to be insincere about her injury, implying that Swiatek was being fake. Collins explained that there are players who are charismatic on camera but different in person, and she doesn’t need the “fakeness.” Swiatek, however, seemed confused by the comments, saying that she was merely trying to congratulate Collins on her successful career.

The match was intense, with Swiatek leading 6-2, 1-6, 4-1 when Collins retired. Collins had taken a medical timeout due to an injured stomach muscle and received another visit from a trainer before deciding to retire. Swiatek, who is seeking her first Olympic medal, will face sixth-seeded Zheng Qinwen of China in the semifinals.

Collins, a 30-year-old who was the runner-up at the 2022 Australian Open, blamed Olympics organizers for not prioritizing the health of athletes, citing dehydration and exhaustion as the reasons for her retirement. She also criticized the lack of insulated water bottles and cool water, which she believes contributed to her condition.

The incident has sparked controversy, with many wondering what exactly happened between the two players. While Swiatek seemed taken aback by Collins’ comments, Collins was adamant that she was being genuine in her criticism.

**Images:**

Danielle Collins (L) and Iga Swiatek exchanged heated words at the end of their match

Swiatek was left in pain after being hit by a ball during the third set of the match

Collins (left) branded Swiatek fake after the match due to her response to her injury