Melbourne, Jan. 19 -- World No.2 Iga Swiatek overcame a stern opening-round test to begin her Australian Open 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue under the lights at Rod Laver Arena on Monday night.
The six-time Grand Slam champion was forced to dig deep after a shaky start, as Yuan's fearless ball-striking pushed the second seed onto the back foot early in the contest. Swiatek trailed 3-5 in the opening set before regaining composure, breaking back at a crucial moment and eventually edging a tense tiebreak.
Yuan, ranked 130 in the world but a former top-40 player, broke Swiatek in the opening game and twice held the upper hand in the first set, even serving for it at 5-4. However, the Pole...