World No. 1 Iga Swiatek overcame a tough challenge against Sofia Kenin (No. 41) and defeated her 7-6(2), 6-2. The Polish tennis player was at times overwhelmed by Kenin's confidence, but she took more risks in crucial points and ultimately secured a challenging opening match at the 2024 Australian Open.
Swiatek arrived in Melbourne after a tremendous performance in the United Cup in early January, leading Poland to the final by winning all five of her singles matches, including victories over Beatriz Haddad Maia (No. 12), Caroline Garcia (No. 19), and Qinwen Zheng (No. 15). Swiatek received the MVP Award, but Germany ultimately claimed the title.
Kenin finished the 2023 season as the world No. 33, in a season where she was on the brink of falling out of the top 300 early on. The American demonstrated that she is ready to return to the top of the rankings despite early defeats in the first round of the Brisbane International and the second round of the Hobart Open.
The 2020 Australian Open champion showcased her confidence in Melbourne and displayed an aggressive game from the start. The American took the first break in the third game, leading 3-1 against the 4-times Grand Slam champion. Swiatek applied pressure, won three consecutive games, and recovered the break to take a 4-3 lead.
Although Swiatek sought the break, Kenin stood strong on her serve and then secured a new break, giving her a 5-4 advantage and the opportunity to serve for the set. The Polish player reacted at the right moment, equalizing the set 5-5 with a break, and then with a 6-5 lead, she wasted a set point, leading to the decisive tie-break.
Swiatek secured three mini-breaks and only conceded one point on her serve, avoiding any scares in the tiebreak to take the lead in the match 7-6(2).
In the beginning of the second set, it seemed that Kenin would not ease up and pressed Swiatek to get the break in the second game, but the Polish player prevailed. Later, Kenin held her service to love and took a 2-1 lead, but it was the last game she won in the match.
Swiatek then seized her momentum, winning five consecutive games and taking the second set with a resounding 6-2, guaranteeing her place in the second round. Her next opponent will be the winner of the match between former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber (No. 655) and the 2021 Aussie Open finalist Danielle Collins (No. 62).
Swiatek d. Sofia Kenin 7-6(2) 6-2 at the Australian Open Iga has dropped only 2 sets in her last 17 matches. Back to playing spotless tennis & racking up wins like they’re candy. ✅17 match winning streak ✅6-0 in 2024 The hunt for her 5th Grand Slam is on. 🇵🇱❤️
