Iga Swiatek advances to the second round of the US Open after defeating Wang Xiyu

Iga Swiatek opened her US Open campaign with an even straight-sets victory over Wang Xiyu on Monday, beating the Chinese 6-2, 6-3 to make a confident start to her quest for a second title in New York. The eighth-seeded Pole never allowed her opponent to settle at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Swiatek came to Flushing Meadows with some much-needed momentum after winning her first title of the season in Toronto and then reaching the semifinals in Cincinnati. She carried that over into her opening match, gaining control early and maintaining the intensity throughout the 88-minute contest.

“It was definitely a good day at the office,” Swiatek said after the win. “I felt pretty good from the start and had energy and intensity. I want to keep it that way.”

The 25-year-old broke Wang twice in the opening set after taking a 3-1 lead and closed it out without much trouble. Wang showed more resistance in the second but Swiatek found another break in the eighth game before serving out the match. In the second round, he will face Naďa Podoroska.

Swiatek was also pleased with how she handled her hard-court swing, which hasn’t always been her most comfortable part of the season.

“It’s nice to come into a Grand Slam after some good results, especially because I’ve never felt super comfortable with that swing,” she said.

ANISIMOVA CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH BIG WIN

Amanda Anisim also got off to a good start, beating American Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 6-3 in 72 minutes. The 10th seed saved three break points before taking control and cruising through the opening set.

Krueger made the second set more competitive, but Anisimova recovered from an early exchange of breaks to secure a decisive break in the final game to seal victory.

“It was my birthday today, so maybe that took some of the stress away,” Anisim said after the crowd sang Happy Birthday to her.

The 25-year-old, who finished second at the US Open last year, will next face Austria’s Lilli Tagger, who is looking to go one step further this time.

ALCARAZ, SABALENKA WINNING START

Defending Men’s Champion Carlos Alcaraz also opened his campaign with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Roman Safiullin. The second seed was playing his first singles match on tour since April after missing the French Open and Wimbledon with a wrist injury.

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka beats Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-4 to open title defense. The two-time defending champion extended her US Open winning streak to 14 matches and continued her quest for a third straight crown.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

1 Sep 2026 07:11 IST