Swiatek survives US Open wobble; Osaka wins

New York: Iga Swiatek began her bid to capture a second US Open title with an uneven straight sets win over lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova yesterday....

New York: Iga Swiatek began her bid to capture a second US Open title with an uneven straight-sets win over lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova yesterday.

World number one and 2022 champion Swiatek saw off 104th-ranked Rakhimova of Russia 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) to extend her season-leading record to 54 match wins.

However, it was an unconvincing display by the Pole who committed 41 unforced errors and had to fight off three set points in the second set before she steadied the ship.

“I try to adapt to the court and feel how it is,” said French Open champion Swiatek after her win on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I’ll take it day by day to get more rhythm. It’s the biggest stadium we have and you feel it’s a huge deal.”