In an exciting start to the Australian Open, top-ranked Iga Swiatek showcased her resilience by defeating former champion Sofia Kenin in the first round. The match was a test of Swiatek's title hopes, but she emerged victorious with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 win.
Kenin, who triumphed at the tournament in 2020, served for the first set at 5-4 but failed to close it out. Swiatek capitalized on the opportunity, taking the set in a tiebreaker. The No. 1 seed then broke Kenin's serve in the fifth game of the second set and managed to hold on for the win.
Reflecting on her performance, Swiatek admitted it wasn't easy to find her rhythm initially. She acknowledged Kenin's efforts to disrupt her game and extended her respect to the former champion. However, Swiatek gradually raised her level of play in the second set, hitting an impressive 30 winners throughout the match.
Having already secured four Grand Slam titles, Swiatek is aiming to add to her collection by clinching her first title in Melbourne. With her determination and skill, she stands among the top contenders in the tournament.
Elsewhere on the courts, American player Sloane Stephens enjoyed a successful outing, registering her first win at the Australian Open since 2019. She overcame wild-card entry Olivia Gadecki with a comfortable 6-3, 6-1 victory. Stephens, who triumphed at the U.S. Open in 2017, had a slow start but quickly turned the match around by winning five consecutive games in the first set. She then continued her dominance in the second set, securing the win in under an hour.
Expressing her satisfaction with the performance, Stephens revealed that she has been working on making her opponents play more, a strategy that paid off during the match. The victory was particularly significant for Stephens, who has struggled in the first round in seven of her past eight visits to Melbourne. This win will undoubtedly boost her confidence as she progresses through the tournament.
Daria Kasatkina, the 14th seed, also achieved a hard-fought victory in her first-round match against Peyton Stearns. After claiming the first set 6-2, Kasatkina faced a setback as Stearns won the second set 3-6. However, the Russian player showcased her resilience and reestablished control in the deciding set, ultimately triumphing with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 scoreline.
Kasatkina will now face Stephens in what promises to be an intriguing second-round clash. Both players have shown their determination and fighting spirit in their opening matches, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.
As the Australian Open progresses, fans eagerly anticipate more intense battles and captivating performances from these talented athletes. Each match brings us closer to uncovering who will prevail and lift the coveted trophy at the end of this prestigious tournament.
