Despite a series of unforced errors, top seed Iga Świątek succeeded in reaching the second round of the US Open after besting Kamilla Rakhimova, the Russian lucky loser, in a 6-4 7-6(6) triumph on Tuesday.
With the 2022 US Open among her five Grand Slam victories, Swiatek managed to covert three out of six break-point opportunities. However, she also accumulated a total of 41 unforced errors as she fought for the win over a span of an hour and 52 minutes at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Rakhimova, who made the main draw as a lucky loser following an injury of another contender, almost forced the first encounter to a third set, but unfortunately missed three set points during the tie-break in the second set.
Swiatek quickly gained a 4-0 double break advantage and seemed set for a straightforward win. But Rakhimova managed to consolidate a break, coming within one game, before Swiatek finally clinched the first set with her third love hold of the match.
Conflicts arose for the Pole in the second set, after taking a 3-1 lead following a love hold. She began showing signs of frustration as her shots lost accuracy and Rakhimova didn’t show any signs of capitulation. The match turned tense when Swiatek had the opportunity to serve out, and Rakhimova broke it to reach 5-5. However, the tie-break saw the Russian leap to a 6-3 lead, only to lose the match after a series of untimely errors.
Swiatek acknowledged in her post-match remarks, she felt confident initially, but tightened up during play, which her opponent took advantage of. She confessed she was trying to readjust her game and get more comfortable on the Arthur Ashe courts. As she gets more practice, she’s confident she’ll get into rhythm.
The current French Open champion is set to meet Japan’s Ena Shibahara in her next match. Naomi Osaka, who is a two-time winner of the tournament, recently secured her first US Open triumph since 2021, demonstrating an exceptional performance with a decisive 6-3 6-2 victory over the 10th seed, Jeļena Ostapenko. Adorned with green and white bows enhancing her ensemble, Osaka showed an elegant performance as stylish as her apparel. She vanquished the Latvian opponent in two successive games, becoming emotional at her victory.
A visibly moved Osaka confessed, “I was striving to hold back tears as I approached the court. Last year, it was Coco [Gauff] I watched in action and intensely wished to grace these courts again,” she remarked. “The uncertainty struck me as I wondered if I even could, or if I was up to it physically. This victory and the mere feeling of being in this electrifying environment have made it a significant event for me. So, my gratitude to all,” she heartfeltly said.
In the following round, her opponent will be Karolína Muchová, who conquered Katie Volynets in a direct victory of 6-3 7-5.