NEW DELHI: World number one
Iga Swiatek
faced a formidable challenge in her
Australian Open
first-round match against former champion
Sofia Kenin
but emerged victorious with a 7-6(2), 6-2 win in a match that showcased high-quality tennis.
In a rematch of the 2020 French Open final, Swiatek was pushed to her limits by the 41st-ranked Kenin. Despite a strong start from the American, who displayed the confidence that led her to win her only
Grand Slam
title four years ago on the same
Rod Laver Arena
, Swiatek showcased her problem-solving skills and resilience.
The match began under blazing sunshine, and Kenin quickly secured an early break. However, Swiatek fought back, leveling the set at 5-5 and dominating the tiebreak to claim the first set.
Reflecting on the match in a courtside interview, Swiatek expressed her happiness at overcoming the early challenges, saying, "It was not easy at the beginning to find my rhythm, and I felt a little bit off. I'm happy that I managed to get my level up in the second set."
Kenin, who faced setbacks since her 2020 Melbourne triumph, continued to maintain a high level of play in the early stages of the second set. Her clean-striking style posed challenges for Swiatek, but the world number one showcased a cooler head in crucial moments.
Swiatek secured a crucial break for a 3-2 lead in the second set, taking control of the match as Kenin sought answers from her box. Despite facing two break points in the next game, Swiatek held firm and cruised to victory, advancing to the second round. This marks Swiatek's sixth consecutive appearance in the second round at the Australian Open, keeping alive her quest for a first title at the tournament.
Swiatek will face either former champion Angelique Kerber or 2022 finalist Danielle Collins in the second round.
(With inputs from Reuters)
English (US) ·