Top-ranked Swiatek overcomes challenging opponent to triumph in first-round match at US Open

Top-seeded Iga Swiatek faced a challenging first-round match at the U.S. Open but managed to prevail over Kamilla Rakhimova with a 6-4, 7-6 (6) victory on Tuesday. The 2022 champion found herself in a tight spot when Rakhimova took a 6-3 lead in the tiebreaker, threatening to push the match to a third set. However, Swiatek staged an impressive comeback, securing the next five points to clinch the win as her opponent made a crucial backhand error. This win extended Swiatek’s remarkable record to 22-1 in first-round matches at Grand Slam tournaments, with a flawless 6-0 record at the U.S. Open.
Danielle Collins, the No. 11 seed, saw her singles career at Grand Slams come to an end after a surprising defeat by fellow American Caroline Dolehide, with a scoreline of 1-6, 7-5, 6-4. Collins, aged 30, recently announced her intentions to retire at the conclusion of the season, although she is still set to compete in the doubles event at Flushing Meadows.
On the men’s side, top-seeded Jannik Sinner took to Arthur Ashe Stadium for his opening-round match after recent revelations that he had failed two drug tests in March but managed to avoid suspension. Meanwhile, No. 7 Hubert Hurkacz and No. 25 Jack Draper successfully advanced to the second round. Disappointingly, No. 19 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, a semifinalist in 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.