Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek in action at the 2024 US Open (AP)
Italian Sinner battled to a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 win over his 140th-ranked opponent on Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Swiatek saw off Russian lucky loser Rakhimova 6-4, 7-6 (8/6)
Top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek survived US Open first round wobbles on Tuesday.
Sinner fought back from a set and break down to defeat Mackenzie McDonald in his first match since being embroiled in a doping test controversy.
Fellow world number one and 2022 US Open champion Swiatek saw off 104th-ranked Kamilla Rakhimova but only after having to save three set points in the second set.
Italian Sinner battled to a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 win over his 140th-ranked opponent on Arthur Ashe Stadium, racing away with 18 of the last 22 games.
The 23-year-old was returning to action just a week after it was revealed he had failed two drug tests in March.
However, he escaped a lengthy ban from the sport when officials decided he wasn’t at fault for the presence of banned anabolic agent clostebol in his system.
“I was a little bit not in the best way,” said Sinner of his victory.
“The first match is not easy. He played really well in the beginning so I just tried to stay there mentally and find some rhythm to keep going.”
French Open champion Swiatek, chasing a second New York title to add to her four triumphs in Paris, saw off Russian lucky loser Rakhimova 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) to extend her season-leading record to 54 match wins.
However, it was an unconvincing display by the Pole who committed 41 unforced errors and had to fight off three set points in the second set.
“I try to adapt to the court and feel how it is,” said Swiatek.
“I’ll take it day by day to get more rhythm. It’s the biggest stadium we have and you feel it’s a huge deal.”
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)
