US Open 2024: Iga Swiatek must work hard to win opening match, Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini in action later

World number one Iga Swiatek had to work hard to beat lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round of the US Open.

Poland’s Swiatek was not at her best during a 6-4 7-6 (8-6) victory that lasted just under two hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Swiatek, the 2022 New York champion, made her trademark fast start and led 4-0 in the first set, but Rakhimova saved a break before Swiatek served out the set.

The top-seeded player took an early lead in the second set, but her frustration was clearly visible as she angrily slashed at a ball after a long forehand gave back the break.

Rahkimova, who lost in the final qualifying round, stayed in touch with Swiatek and had three set points in the tiebreak, forcing a deciding match.

However, Swiatek stepped up her aggression when it came to securing the win and secured a second-round meeting with Japan’s Ena Shibahara.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek won her third consecutive title at Roland Garros in June and earned an emotional bronze medal at the Olympic Games last month.

In six matches in New York, however, she has only advanced past the fourth round once, when she won the title two years ago.

“In the beginning it went well, but then I got a bit tense and my opponent took advantage of that. So I tried to get back into my game,” said Swiatek.

“I’m sure I’ll get into more rhythm as the day goes on.”