Iga Swiatek Advances in US Open First Round

Iga Swiatek, the world No. 1 and defending champion, narrowly advanced to the second round of the US Open after a challenging match against Kamilla Rakhimova, winning 6-4, 7-6(6). The match, lasting 1 hour and 52 minutes, saw Swiatek save three set points in a tense second-set tiebreak, ultimately securing her victory despite accumulating 41 unforced errors throughout the match. Swiatek started strongly, racing to a 4-0 lead, but experienced a dip in form as Rakhimova fought back, breaking Swiatek while she was serving for the match. The Polish star acknowledged feeling tight during play but expressed confidence in finding her rhythm as the tournament progresses. This win marks Swiatek's 21st victory in 22 Grand Slam first-round matches, setting her up for a clash with either Daria Saville or Ena Shibahara in the next round.