Swiatek survives Kenin test to set up Collins showdown in round two

ByEurosport

Updated 16/01/2024 at 05:54 GMT

Iga Swiatek overcame a thorough examination of her Australian Open credentials from Sofia Kenin on Rod Laver Arena to progress to the second round of the Australian Open. Kenin, who won the event in 2019, served for the first set but four-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek dug deep to win that, before running away with the second. Next up for the Polish superstar is Danielle Collins.Swiatek overcomes former champion Kenin in tough opener – Australian Open highlights

Iga Swiatek opened her Australian Open campaign with a 7-6(2) 6-2 win against former champion Sofia Kenin on Rod Laver Arena.

The world No. 1’s best showing at Melbourne Park was a semi-final appearance in 2022, and she was provided a thorough examination of her credentials by 2019 winner Kenin.

The pair had met once before. That ended in a win for the then unseeded Swiatek in the French Open final in 2020 and the 25-year-old Kenin set about avenging that loss as she took control of the first set.

Swiatek, however, rallied to win that on a tie-break before dominating the second to set up a second-round showdown with Danielle Collins.

The win sees the Polish world No. 1 Swiatek extend her winning streak to an impressive 17 matches.

“It wasn’t easy at the beginning to find my rhythm,” said Swiatek.

“I felt a little bit off and I felt like Sofia really did everything to keep it that way, so huge respect to her.

“She knows what to do. I am happy I managed to get my level up.”

World No. 41 Kenin broke the serve of Swiatek in the third and ninth games of the first set, meaning she served for a one-set lead. However, the world No. 1 rallied breaking back to 15 in the 10th game, winning the next to love before taking the tie-break with her first set point.

The second game of the following set proved decisive. They were locked at deuce five times with Swiatek defending a break point to hold. The following two games went with serve before the Polish superstar rattled off the next four to seal her spot in the next round.

Swiatek finished with 30 winners and 21 unforced errors with Kenin racking up 34 unforced errors and 18 winners.

She will next face Danielle Collins, who beat 2016 winner Angelique Kerber.

‘Huge respect’ – Swiatek on defeating former champion Kenin in opener

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