Danielle Collins is not unfamiliar with controversies. This time last year, Collins drew attention with her interaction with the crowd at the Australian Open. However, this time around, she seems to have shifted focus to Iga Swiatek. The six-time Grand Slam title holder would arrive in Melbourne knowing this fortnight could define her legacy. However, Collins happens to have a surprising prediction. 

Collins appeared on a panel on the Tennis Channel and predicted a possible early upset for Swiatek. “I think it’s probably no surprise to people that follow tennis, but I’m going to go with Swiatek,” she said. “I was a little bit concerned with her performance at the United Cup to back-to-back losses. So I think there’s a little bit of trouble in paradise for her right now on the men’s side. It’s tough. I’m not sure on the men’s side. I actually don’t think we’re gonna see a top 10 seed that gets upset in the first.”

Swiatek currently has four French Opens alongside a US Open and Wimbledon in her trophy cabinet. Unfortunately, the ultimate victory at the Rod Laver Arena has always remained elusive for the Polish star. Despite reaching the semis twice, the 24-year-old has failed to enter the final till now. Thus, as she is gearing up for 2026, the 6x Grand Slam champion is well aware of the prestigious history that awaits her. And as the chatter grows louder with each passing day, Swiatek is trying to take it slow and focus on one match at a time.

“Honestly, since the beginning of the year, there are many people coming to me and talking to me about it,” said Swiatek. “I’m really just focusing on day-by-day work. This is how it’s always been for me,” she further added. 

Surprisingly, Swiatek also pointed out that she does not have a lot of expectations in Melbourne this time around. However, having said that, the Polish star clarified that her initial target will be to determine in her mind how she can improve her game in the near future. And she does have reasons to let her Career Grand Slam dreams take a step back. Swiatek began her season with a mixed start. While she won the United Cup for Poland, her singles campaign looked concerning. 

In the semifinals of the United Cup, Swiatek lost 6-4, 6-4 to Coco Gauff. This was the fourth consecutive occasion when Gauff won in straight sets against the former world number 1. That’s not all. She further slumped to a 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 defeat against the Swiss star, Belinda Bencic. Now, opening her Australian Open quest, she will take on the Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue, hoping to finally find her rhythm and get back her old form. 

Amid such a narrative, Collins’ suggestion about Swiatek’s potential vulnerability right before the opening day sparked a fierce backlash online.

Fans slam Collins for singling out Iga Swiatek in Australian Open prediction

One such fan took a blatant dig at the American tennis player. They seemingly did not like the opinion that Collins shared, and the fan added, “Thankfully Collins is never right about anything.” 

Another fan pointed out how Swiatek could be in trouble based on her United Cup results, yet avoids making a similar judgment about the men’s side. Taylor Fritz’s performance hasn’t actually been extraordinary, as he has lost comparatively more games in the same event. “It’s so ridiculous that Taylor Fritz lost more games than Iga in the United Cup, but she’s not sure about the men’s side”, the commenter shared. 

One X user, although partly agreeing with Collins’ analysis, also added their own observation and mentioned how Swiatek has been consistent in her form. Their comment read, “I agree with Danielle Collins based on the fact that Iga’s last two games were losses. However, Iga is consistent against lower-ranked players. It’s almost Impossible for her to lose to anyone outside of the top 10.”

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One fan, on the other hand, pointed out how writing off Iga Swiatek has repeatedly backfired. They stated, “Iga was also on a heavy upset alert at Wimbledon. And then she won it with a 6-0, 6-0 in the final. I would never count her out. Especially not at a Slam. She won 6 of them.” Sharing further glimpses from the history that has been carved by Swiatek, the fan added, “Last year she played ugly at WTA tournaments, but at Slams she was good. Was her best Slam season since 2022.”

This fan, too, felt Iga was being singled out and questioned unfairly. Taking a dig at Collins, they chimed in, “She’ll be riding Iga’s coattails for the rest of her sad life to stay relevant 🥱”

Now, in Melbourne, the stakes are clear and higher than ever. For Swiatek, this is not just another Grand Slam; it is a chance to silence doubt and defy predictions. So, will 2026 finally make her secure the win that has been eluding her for years?