In the sun-drenched arena of Rome’s Foro Italico, Iga Swiatek, the World No. 2 and three-time Italian Open champion, delivered a masterclass in her second-round match, dismantling Italian wildcard Elisabetta Cocciaretto with a commanding 6-1, 6-0 victory. But it wasn’t just her clinical performance that stole the spotlight—it was the unexpected embrace from the Campo Centrale crowd that left the Polish superstar visibly moved. “I was surprised, honestly, because I thought I would get more support for Elisabetta since she’s the home player,” Swiatek admitted during her on-court interview, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and disbelief. The fervent cheers for the 23-year-old, even as she outplayed a local favorite, underscored her growing stature as a global tennis icon and set the stage for an electrifying campaign at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
Swiatek’s journey to this moment had been fraught with challenges. Fresh off a devastating 6-1, 6-1 loss to Coco Gauff in the Madrid Open semifinals—her worst clay-court defeat in six years—she arrived in Rome seeking redemption. The Italian Open, a critical warm-up for the French Open where she’s won four of her five Grand Slam titles, is a tournament where Swiatek has historically thrived, boasting a 21-2 record since 2021. Against Cocciaretto, ranked No. 82, she was relentless, winning 51 of 71 points in just 52 minutes. “I’m happy with the performance and the way I have adjusted to this surface,” Swiatek said, reflecting on her seamless transition back to Rome’s red clay. She converted five of six break points and didn’t face a single break point on her serve, a testament to her precision and focus.
The crowd’s reaction, however, was the real surprise. Rome’s fans are known for their passionate support of Italian players, yet they showered Swiatek with applause, a gesture that resonated deeply. “As usual, I love playing in Rome, so I really enjoyed it,” she added, her smile betraying a rare moment of vulnerability from a player known for her steely composure. Former British tennis star Annabel Croft, commentating for Sky Sports, was equally impressed, noting, “That was a really clinical display from her. She could not have been hitting the ball any better out of the centre of the strings.” The performance marked Swiatek’s 27th consecutive win in opening matches at WTA 1000 events, tying her with legends like Martina Hingis and Monica Seles for historic streaks.
Swiatek’s dominance wasn’t just statistical—it was a psychological rebound. The Madrid loss, which she attributed to “personal stuff,” had raised questions about her form, especially after seven quarterfinal or semifinal exits in 2025. Rome, however, felt like a homecoming. Her 6-0 second set against Cocciaretto was her 33rd “bagel” set at WTA 1000 events, tying Victoria Azarenka’s record. As she prepares to face Danielle Collins in the third round on May 10, Swiatek is wary of their rivalry, marked by Collins’ public criticism of Swiatek’s sincerity. “I told Iga she didn’t have to be insincere about my injury,” Collins said earlier this year, hinting at locker-room tensions. Their ninth career meeting promises fireworks, especially after Collins’ viral eye-roll at the United Cup.
For Swiatek, Rome is more than a tournament—it’s a proving ground. With a favorable draw and a chance to reclaim the World No. 1 ranking, she’s poised to add to her three Rome titles. The crowd’s unexpected support has only fueled her fire. As she eyes a fourth French Open crown later this month, Swiatek’s Rome resurgence is a reminder: on clay, she’s nearly untouchable, and even in a rival’s backyard, she’s winning hearts.
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