As if the controversies during the opening ceremony weren’t enough, another major talking point has gripped the Paris Olympic Games, this time due to nature. With soaring temperatures in Paris, it is becoming difficult for athletes to give their best on the sporting world’s biggest stage. Earlier today, the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reading exceeded 30.1 Celsius. This isn’t the first time we have seen unfortunate climatic conditions grip a tournament. As a result, players like Danielle Collins were affected during their matches, which sparked a rule change from the tennis body, ITF.

Earlier today, the American star featured in her third-round encounter against Camila Osorio. In what was a see-saw battle, Collins got the better of Osorio in three sets 6-0, 4-6, 6-3. However, Collins suffered a meltdown mid-match due to the hot and humid conditions so much so that she had no momentum from her legs to serve toward the end of the encounter. Nonetheless, she chalked out a hard-fought victory to keep the American flag flying high in women’s singles.

Subsequently, watching the players suffer from brutal conditions, the ITF issued a statement where they activated the extreme heat policy. Under this rule, players in singles matches are entitled to a 10-minute break between the end of the second and third sets.

In relief for the players, the tennis body implemented this change to keep the players fresh during the course of the match amid severe heat. During the 10-minute break, the players can go to the bathroom and take a shower or change their outfits and energize themselves by having something to eat or drink. However, they cannot receive a medical evaluation or talk to their coach.

Meanwhile, with her victory, Collins became the only American star to enter the women’s singles quarterfinals as the likes of Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro bowed out of the event. Recently, legendary coach, Rick Macci, picked Collins over Gauff to dig deep at the Olympics. Looks like his prediction is coming true.

Rick Macci’s surprising pick becomes reality as Danielle Collins advances

Earlier today, the likes of Gauff and Navarro had disappointing defeats as they exited the singles competition. On the other hand, Collins fought her way back and reached the last 8. With this, Macci’s prediction about Gauff and Collins came true.

During an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, he revealed, “She has the firepower. You know she can hurt you, and those are the people that can hurt Iga even on clay. You gotta be able to hurt her and you got to be having fun, best day of your life swinging free and just going for it. And Collins has that type of game okay, even on clay.”

Further, Macci even believes that Collins might have a potential showdown with Iga Swiatek. His prediction might again become true if Swiatek wins her pre-quarterfinal match. Despite a tough road ahead, expect the best out of Collins as she nears the end of her career.