World No. 2 Iga Swiatek fought her way into the second round of the Australian Open by emerging victorious in a fighting 6-3, 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova on Monday, MySportDab Reports.
Despite looking at times uncertain on John Cain Arena, the 23-year-old Pole prevailed against game resistance from her Czech opponent, the world No. 50 and doubles specialist.
“For sure, it wasn’t an easy first round, so I’m happy I got through,” Swiatek said. “She was playing really well, and I knew I needed to be more proactive.”
Swiatek, who served a brief doping suspension last year, is still a popular figure in Melbourne, with a vocal section of Polish support backing her.
She could return to the world No. 1 ranking if Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff fall by the wayside early but is more concerned with a first Australian Open title. The four-time French Open and one-time US Open champion will play Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova in the second round.
Meanwhile, third seed Coco Gauff fought through a testing opener from former champion Sofia Kenin to win 6-3, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena. The 2023 US Open winner extended her winning run to 10 but admitted the bright sun and her own errors made the match tricky.
“Honestly, when I saw the draw, I thought it wasn’t a great first round,” said Gauff. “She’s one of those players who can produce great tennis, so I had to be ready.”
But despite Kenin’s flashes of brilliance, the composure lay with Gauff as she broke her opponent four times before sealing victory on a wild Kenin forehand. The 20-year-old American, who famously burst onto the scene at Wimbledon in 2019 as a 15-year-old, reflected on how her confidence has matured over the years.
“Back then, I thought I was a Slam contender after that Wimbledon run,” she said. “Now, I’ve learned to be more measured.”
The semi-finalist in Melbourne last year, Gauff now faces Jodie Burrage, the British player pleased to be going into the role of underdog. “It’s a free swing for me,” Burrage explained. “Gonna give my all and see how I stack up to one of the best in the world.”
