Swiatek survives Yuan challenge in Melbourne opener

Iga Swiatek defeated Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue 7–6(5), 6–3 to reach the Australian Open second round. The six-time major champion needed exactly two hours at Rod Laver Arena after Yuan’s aggressive returning and baseline play created an uncomfortable opening set.

Yuan broke early and later led 5–3, but Swiatek improved her shot selection and broke back as the qualifier served for the set. She pulled away from 4–4 in the tiebreak, then established a 3–0 advantage in the second set.

Yuan continued resisting after receiving treatment for a back problem, keeping the margin to a single break before Swiatek finished. The Pole acknowledged early rustiness and secured a second-round meeting with Marie Bouzkova while pursuing the only major singles title missing from her collection.