Iga Swiatek rides out Danielle Collins’ storm to sail smoothly into the Olympic semifinals. However, the match was filled with drama. Swiatek was leading when Collins retired from the match after taking a medical timeout and then getting another visit from a trainer. However, now Martina Navratilova has joined the trial, sharing her input on the controversy.

It all started when Swiatek took a long bathroom break during the second set, only for Collins to follow suit with a lengthy break in the third set. When a passing shot attempt by Collins hit Swiatek on the stomach, things got heated, and there was a chilly handshake at the conclusion as Collins retired mid-way through the third set. Swiatek’s deliberate delays on Collins’ serve also infuriated her opponent.

Looking into that, the American journalist Christopher Clarey posted, “If we’re keeping score for extended off-court breaks since the second set, it’s now 1-1 between Iga Swiatek and Danielle Collins. This all seems far, far from ideal.” In no time, Navratilova commented on the post and shared her take on the whole incident using her own career example, as she wrote, “Guess how many times I went to the bathroom in my whole career in some 1700 matches?”

The Czech veteran, who won a total of 59 Grand Slam titles in her career, with singles, doubles, and mixed doubles combined, was trying to suggest that the extended breaks during the match were a bit too long for her liking.

For Collins, playing in the Olympics towards the end of her career is a big achievement. Just a few days ago, when she was asked what it meant to her to make an Olympic debut in her last season, she opened up about the incredible feeling of representing her country. “I think it’s even more special when you’re an American getting the opportunity to do this because you don’t get to be on the Olympic team unless you’re like in the top 15 in the world,” Collins stated.

The 30-year-old, however, couldn’t make it to the final 4 today and will have to return empty-handed, but Iga Swiatek, on the other hand, moves on to the Olympic medal rounds in Paris and takes a step closer to realizing a lifetime ambition.

Iga Swiatek is living her Olympic dream 

Iga Swiatek has experienced rapid Grand Slam success, but she has yet to win an Olympic medal. She was defeated by Paula Badosa in the second round of the Tokyo edition. But this time around, the 23-year-old is as committed as ever to succeed.

Talking about her Olympic dream, Swiatek once said, “I always dreamed of the Olympics because of my father. I know it’s not the same for other tennis players, but for me, it’s really something special. I will fight for a medal. The Olympics were always important for me because my dad was an Olympian in Seoul. We were raised knowing that the Olympics are the biggest sporting event. There’s gonna be a lot of pressure, especially after my win in a Grand Slam.”

Iga’s father Tomasz Swiatek was an Olympian as well. He was a rower who participated in the men’s quadruple sculls event at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. The 23-year-old is keen to take her family legacy forward. A victory in the semi-finals will help the Pole take a step closer to her dream.

What are your thoughts on Iga’s chances of winning a Gold medal at the Paris Olympics? Do let us know in the comment section below.