Iga Swiatek began her quest for a second US Open title with a hard-fought straight-sets victory against Kamilla Rakhimova, a lucky loser from Russia.
The world number one, and reigning 2022 US Open champion, defeated the 104th-ranked Rakhimova 6-4, 7-6 (8/6), marking her 54th match win of the season.
Despite the victory, Swiatek’s performance was less than convincing, as she committed 41 unforced errors and had to fend off three set points in the second set before regaining control. After the match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the French Open champion admitted she was still adjusting to the court. "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," Swiatek said.
In other action, two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka made a strong return to the tournament, defeating 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. Osaka, who missed last year’s event after giving birth to her daughter, notched her first top-10 win in four years. The former world number one was in commanding form, hitting nine aces and committing only five unforced errors. Her striking outfit, complete with a large bow and frilly skirt, added to the spectacle. "Last year, I was watching Coco (Gauff) play and desperately wanted to be back on these courts," Osaka said, visibly emotional after the win.
Meanwhile, Caroline Wozniacki, another former world number one and a fellow tennis mom, breezed past Japan's Nao Hibino in just 53 minutes, winning 6-0, 6-1. Wozniacki, who was the runner-up at the US Open ten years ago, showed no signs of rust in her dominant performance.
Looking ahead, world number one Jannik Sinner is set to make his tournament debut following the revelation that he had twice tested positive for a banned substance. However, Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing after it was determined that the anabolic agent clostebol had been accidentally transferred to him by his physio, who had used a spray to treat a cut on his hand.
