Iga Swiatek’s bid to create history and complete the career Grand Slam got off to an underwhelming start as she struggled past Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue in the Australian Open first round.
The Melbourne title is the only major missing from world number two Swiatek’s collection.
But the Pole’s chase for a seventh Grand Slam trophy – and a piece of tennis history – started slowly on Rod Laver Arena as she grappled with her serve and committed 34 unforced errors.
Despite being far from her clinical best, Swiatek eventually overcame 130th-ranked Yuan 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.
“It wasn’t perfect but that’s why I am happy because it is not hard to win matches when everything is going well,” Swiatek said.
“Today it wasn’t but I managed to win so that’s good.”
Fellow top seeds and title contenders Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula all cruised through their opening matches on Monday.
And while the scoreline looks comfortable, Swiatek admitted she had improvements to make before she meets Czech world number 44 Marie Bouzkova in the second round.
Her second serve in particular was wobbly, with Yuan winning 59% of the points off it.
“I was a bit rusty at the beginning. I didn’t start well and she seized the opportunity,” Swiatek said.
“Many ups and downs but I have some stuff to work on.”
