New York, 01 September (H.S.): Eighth-seeded Polish star Iga Swiatek began her US Open 2026 campaign with a convincing straight-sets victory over China’s Wang Xiyu on Monday, defeating her 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the second round.

Swiatek, the 2022 US Open champion, secured the victory in 88 minutes on Louis Armstrong Stadium. She made an aggressive start, establishing a 3-1 lead in the opening set before earning another service break to take control and close out the set.

The Polish player maintained the pressure in the second set as well. She secured a service break in the eighth game and then served out the match to seal her place in the next round.

Speaking after the match, Swiatek said, “It was definitely a good day for me. I felt pretty good from the beginning. I had a lot of energy and intensity, and I want to keep that going.”

She added that she had to make effective use of her strength to deal with Wang’s deep, heavy topspin shots.

Swiatek enters the US Open in impressive form. She recently won the Toronto Open and also reached the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open. She is now aiming for a seventh Grand Slam title.

“It’s nice to come into a Grand Slam after some good results. I have improved a lot at this stage, and now I am focusing on working on the small weaknesses in my game,” Swiatek said.

In the second round, Swiatek will face Nadia Podoroska, who advanced after defeating Simona Waltert.

Anisimova also advances to second round

American Amanda Anisimova also booked her place in the second round with a comfortable victory. She defeated compatriot Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 6-3.

Anisimova will next face Austria’s Lilli Tagger.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar