Top-ranked Iga Swiatek faced a challenging first-round match at the U.S. Open but managed to secure a victory against Kamilla Rakhimova with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (6) on Tuesday. Swiatek, the reigning 2022 champion, displayed resilience as she fought back from a 6-3 deficit in the tiebreaker, ultimately winning the next five points to clinch the match when her opponent missed a backhand shot.
Swiatek's triumph extended her impressive record in first-round matches at Grand Slam events to 22-1, with a perfect 6-0 record at the U.S. Open specifically. Meanwhile, Danielle Collins, the No. 11 seed, suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of fellow American Caroline Dolehide, losing 1-6, 7-5, 6-4. Collins, who recently announced her intention to retire at the end of the season, will continue to compete in the doubles event at Flushing Meadows.
On the men's side, top seed Jannik Sinner made his entrance onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for his opening-round match. This marked Sinner's return to competition following reports of two failed drug tests in March, which did not result in a suspension. Additionally, No. 7 seed Hubert Hurkacz and No. 25 seed Jack Draper advanced to the second round, while No. 19 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, a semifinalist at the 2021 U.S. Open, was eliminated by Czech player Jakub Mensik in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.
As the action unfolds at the U.S. Open, fans can expect more thrilling matches and upsets as the tournament progresses.
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