Swiatek survives error-strewn start to US Open

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Swiatek survives error-strewn start to US Open

Iga Swiatek has overcome a slew of unforced errors to secure her spot in the second round of the US Open with a 6-4 7-6 (8-6) victory over Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova.

Swiatek, who counts the 2022 US Open among her five grand slam titles, converted three of six break-point chances but also racked up 41 unforced errors en route to securing the victory in one hour, 52 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The top-seeded Pole built a 4-0 double break lead and looked poised to run away with an easy win but Rakhimova consolidated a break to get back to 4-3. Swiatek, however went on to seal the first set with her third love hold of the match.

Swiatek took a 3-1 lead in the second set but showed signs of frustration as shots went off target and Rakhimova refused to back down from the challenge.

The world No.1 had a chance to serve out the match but Rakhimova broke to get to 5-5 as the second set went to a tiebreak. There the Pole saved three set points before edging through to the second round and a meeting with Ena Shibahara.

“At the beginning (I felt) good but then I got a little bit tight and my opponent used it so I was trying to get back to my game,” said Swiatek.

“I’ve just been trying to adjust to the courts. I haven’t practised a lot so this time I just wanted to feel how it is on Arthur Ashe and I’m pretty sure day by day I am going to get more and more rhythm.”

Earlier Danielle Collins’ last outing at her home major ended in an early exit as fellow ********* Caroline Dolehide recovered from losing the first set to knock out the 11th seed 1-6 7-5 6-4 and set up a second-round match against Italian Sara Errani, who beat Spain’s Christina Bucsa 3-6 6-0 6-4.

British No.1 Katie Boulter, Alex de Minaur’s partner, came from a set down to defeat Aliaksandra Sasnovich 5-7 6-2 6-1 on the same court the *********** men’s No.1 was later due on.

Former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki outclassed Japan’s Nao Hibino 6-0 6-1 and three-time losing finalist Victoria Azarenka beat Yulia Starodubtseva, but 2017 champion Sloane Stephens lost to Clara Burel.

with agencies

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