Yuan pushes pain barrier, falls to world No.2 Swiatek at Australian Open

Yuan Yue hits a return during the women's singles 1st round match between Yuan Yue of China and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

MELBOURNE, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue produced a resilient effort on Monday and made world number two Iga Swiatek battle through a grueling first round match at the Australian Open.

After two hours on Rod Laver Arena, Yuan was eventually outclassed by the six-time grand slam champion, who emerged triumphant 7-6 (5), 6-3 in an unconvincing performance.

The defeat meant it was the fourth straight year that Yuan had fallen in the first round at Melbourne Park.

Swiatek is chasing an elusive Australian Open title to complete her slate of major trophies, but struggled at times to counter Yuan's aggressive play.

"I was a bit rusty in the beginning and she took the opportunity," said Swiatek, who made 35 unforced errors. "Many ups and downs, I have some stuff to work on."

Having won three qualifying matches, Yuan's confidence was justified with two breaks of serve in a see-sawing first set.

She was on the brink of inflicting Swiatek's first loss of a set in the opening round of a major since 2019, but the Pole responded and broke serve to level at 5-5.

Swiatek edged the decisive tiebreak to draw first blood after 58 minutes and took control of the second set, where Yuan appeared hampered by a back injury.

A medical timeout did help Yuan, whose gritty effort ensured that Swiatek contested her second-longest first round match of her career.

Swiatek will play Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic in the second round. ■

Yuan Yue reacts during the women's singles 1st round match between Yuan Yue of China and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)

Iga Swiatek hits a return during the women's singles 1st round match between Yuan Yue of China and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)

Yuan Yue (R) and Iga Swiatek are seen during the women's singles 1st round match between Yuan Yue of China and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)

Yuan Yue serves during the women's singles 1st round match between Yuan Yue of China and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)

Iga Swiatek serves during the women's singles 1st round match between Yuan Yue of China and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)

Iga Swiatek reacts after the women's singles 1st round match between Yuan Yue of China and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2026. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua)