US Open 2023: Swiatek struggles past lucky loser Rakhimova
Battling through the heat and humidity, Iga Swiatek overcame a spirited challenge from lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova to reach the third round of the US Open on Wednesday.
Swiatek, the world number one and top seed, won 6-4 4-6 6-3 in a match that lasted two hours and 49 minutes.
The Pole started strongly, breaking Rakhimova's serve in the opening game. However, the Russian fought back to level the set at 4-4.
Swiatek then broke Rakhimova's serve again to take the first set 6-4.
The second set was a more even affair, with both players holding serve until 4-4. Rakhimova then broke Swiatek's serve to take the set 6-4.
Swiatek regained her composure in the third set, breaking Rakhimova's serve in the first game. She then held serve to take a 2-0 lead.
Rakhimova broke back in the third game, but Swiatek immediately broke back to take a 3-1 lead.
Swiatek then held serve to take a 4-1 lead, and she eventually won the set 6-3 to seal victory.
Swiatek will face either Ajla Tomljanovic or Evgeniya Rodina in the third round.
Stats
- Swiatek hit 30 winners to Rakhimova's 21.
- Swiatek made 26 unforced errors to Rakhimova's 24.
- Swiatek won 67% of her first serve points to Rakhimova's 61%.
- Swiatek won 46% of her second serve points to Rakhimova's 43%.
Quotes
"I'm really happy to be through," Swiatek said. "It was a tough match, especially in the heat and humidity. I'm just glad I was able to find a way to win."
"I think I served well today," Swiatek added. "That was a big help, especially in the third set."
"I'm looking forward to the next round," Swiatek said. "I know it will be another tough match, but I'm confident that I can win."
Comments