Danielle Collins issues ‘scary’ warning after Iga Swiatek’s training session with Rafael Nadal

Danielle Collins shares her thoughts on Iga Swiatek’s decision to meet with Rafael Nadal

Not many athletes can pick up the phone and reach out to Rafael Nadal for advice when things aren’t going their way, but Iga Swiatek has that rare option.

Swiatek is one of the most successful products of Nadal’s academy and has built a reputation as one of the sport’s best clay-court players over the past few seasons.

Still, she hasn’t looked herself recently. The 2026 season hasn’t offered much relief either, as her struggles have continued into the new year.

Turning to a 22-time Grand Slam winner isn’t a bad way to try to get back on track. Danielle Collins believes it could be exactly what Swiatek needs to find her old self again.

Danielle Collins gives her view on Swiatek training with Rafael Nadal

While speaking to Tennis Channel after seeing footage of Swiatek working out with Nadal, the American was asked which tennis icon she would have liked to train with.

“I mean, Rafa would be up there. You know, who knows? Maybe Iga will invite me out to Spain, and we can do a little training block together. That’d be so fun,” Collins said.

“But no, I think if I had an idol, I think I would probably go with – I mean, I love Rafa – but I got to say Jimmy Connors because Jimmy Connors and I kind of have a similar game. We’re both fiery personalities. “I feel like he has the experience and the expertise to deal with a personality like me.”

“And aside from that, we would have a ton of fun off the court, and it would just be good memories both on and off the court.”

She said: “Yeah, and I think when you’ve had the success that Iga Swiatek has had, especially at a young age, and all the Grand Slams, all of the impressive feats on her resume, the only person that you can work with at this point is somebody that’s been at the highest, highest, highest level because you’ve been at that level.

“So it’s going to be scary for everybody on tour to see what’s next for Iga Swiatek with this new coaching partnership.”

Rafael Nadal sends a message to Iga Swiatek following their training session

It wasn’t a long message, but Rafael Nadal made sure to welcome Iga Swiatek back to his academy after they spent time together on court.

He posted: “[Iga Swiatek] welcome back to the Rafa Nadal Academy! Enjoy your time here! We hope you feel at home.”

Swiatek has always felt comfortable on clay, and she knows her way around the academy well.

With the Stuttgart Open marking the start of her clay-court campaign, it’ll be interesting to see if her time with Nadal pays off early in the season.

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