Tennis-Swiatek suppresses Kenin challenge to reach second round

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 16, 2024 Poland's Iga Swiatek in action during her first round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. REUTERS/Issei Kato

MELBOURNE (Reuters) -World number one Iga Swiatek overcame a strong early challenge from former champion Sofia Kenin to reach the second round of the Australian Open with a 7-6(2) 6-2 victory in a high quality contest on Tuesday.

The Pole was forced to play her best tennis to see off her 41st-ranked opponent in a rematch of the 2020 French Open final and set up a clash against either another former champion in Angelique Kerber or 2022 finalist Danielle Collins.