What a year this has been for Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina! The former number 3 hasn’t only made longer runs at the AO (QF), Indian Wells (QF), and the Madrid Open (SF) this year, but she has also clinched her first title in nearly two years at the Open de Rouen in April 2025. Following that impressive title triumph, Svitolina said, “I’m happy with the start of the season.”

Even at the Italian Open, she has now got off to a flying start. However, in the R16, she’ll be taking on the in-form American, Danielle Collins, who’ll be entering this contest after stunning the defending champion, Iga Swiatek, in the previous match. Who’ll win this clash of the two former Top 10s?

Danielle Collins vs Elina Svitolina: Preview

Last year, Danielle Collins became the first player to win back-to-back titles in Miami and Charleston since Serena Williams in 2013. But this year, she has struggled a bit so far, with her best performance coming in at the Charleston Open, where she reached the QF. Considering her form, she was not the favorite ahead of her R32 clash against the five-time Grand Slam champion, Iga Swiatek, in Rome. But surprisingly, she thrashed Swiatek by 6-1,7-5 in that match. This was just her second win in nine matches against the Pole, and she couldn’t have asked for a better surface to do that! 

Speaking about her secret to success in this epic battle against the ‘Queen of Clay’, Collins said, “After losing to Iga so many times, you obviously learn from those experiences, matchups. Even though the last couple of times we’ve played, she’s beaten me, I’ve played some of my best tennis in those matches. So that gave me confidence. Then just learning from those situations, executing my game style, and being a little bit more accurate than the times before.“

On the other hand, her opponent in the next match, Elina Svitolina, started off her campaign here on a positive note by showcasing a dominating performance against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. However, she took three sets to beat America’s Hailey Baptiste (90) in the previous match. So, both Collins and Svitolina will be entering this match after overcoming massive hurdles in their previous round. Considering their vast experience on the Tour, fans can surely expect some fireworks in this epic duel, but who has the lead in the H2H?

Collins vs Svitolina: Head-to-Head

Elina Svitolina has been terrific on clay this year. But at the moment, she trails 1-2 against Danielle Collins in the H2H record. Can the Ukrainian sneak two consecutive victories against the American in the same year?

• 2025 Indian Wells R32: Svitolina 6-2,6-4.
• 2023 Canadian Open R64: Collins 6-2,6-2.
• 2020 Brisbane International R32: Collins 6-1,6-1.

Prediction: Svitolina to win this match in three sets

Although Danielle Collins outshone one of the best players on the clay courts in her previous match, we’re still keeping the Ukrainian slightly ahead in this contest. Reason? Firstly, it’s because of Elina Svitolina’s consistency this season, where she has a win-loss record of 24-7, including 13-1 on clay. And, secondly, we must not forget that Svitolina is a two-time champion (2017,2018) in this tournament. On the other hand, Collins’ best record in Rome has been reaching the SF in 2024. If we talk about her numbers, Collins has compiled a 9-5 win-loss record this season, with 4-1 on clay.

Other than that, if we take a glance at their playing styles, Collins is known for her aggressive and powerful style of play, characterized by a high number of winners and unforced errors. Her strength lies in her kick-serve, inside-out forehand, and a strong, versatile double-handed backhand. In fact, Danielle Collins is also known for his incredible volleying skills.

On the other side, Elina Svitolina is a defensive baseliner who mostly excels at turning defense into offense pretty swiftly. Her consistent groundstrokes, particularly her backhand, and her ability to penetrate deep into the court with both forehand and backhand make her a really special player on the Tour. She can generate significant power behind her shots, but her second serve has been one of her biggest weaknesses. At times, Svitolina has also struggled a bit against the aggressive players. But looking at her form this season, we feel she will keep things tidy on her end and wrap up this match with an incredible fight.