Iga Swiatek handles Jule Niemeier test in Australian Open first round

FLASHBACK: Tennis Channel Live debates whether Iga Swiatek or the rest of the field will win the Australian Open.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek improved to 15-1 in Grand Slam first-round matches with her opening win in Melbourne, but she was tested every step along the way by a determined Jule Niemeier on Monday.

Over the course of two hours, the 21-year-old from Poland edged through a tight first set and recovered from an early break deficit in the second set to close out the 6-4, 7-5 victory on Rod Laver Arena.

Finding an inroad into the German’s rock-solid service games was the key, said Swiatek, who broke just once during the first 19 games of the match—at 5-4 in the opening set—before reeling off the last four games in a row to seal the contest.

“Honestly I really wanted to be focused on myself, because I know that Jule can really serve amazing,” Swiatek explained in her post-match interview. “At the US Open, she was also using the fast conditions that we played in and she was really putting pressure on me.

“This time I just wanted to, not really think about that, but think about, what can I do to push her back.”

In their lone previous encounter at last year’s US Open, Niemeier pushed Swiatek to three sets, with the eventual champion rallying for a 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 fourth-round victory. Similar themes unfolded in Melbourne, as the German won 71% of points behind her first serve and found three aces.

But despite Niemeier playing well above her No. 69 ranking during torrid stretches, Swiatek stayed patient as she took her chances from the baseline. The world No. 1 struck 20 winners to 28 unforced errors, and her mental strength shined through in decisive moments as she saved two of the three break points she faced.

“It’s always easier to focus on yourself,” Swiatek said. “I’m pretty happy that I got through this match, because first rounds are always tricky and with an opener like Jule it’s even more tricky.”

Swiatek will next face Colombia’s Camila Osorio in the second round on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old, who led Poland to the semifinals in the inaugural mixed United Cup event, also reflected on her multi-surface progress throughout 2022. She reached her first Grand Slam semifinal away from clay courts in Melbourne last year, weeks after lifting her first hard-court trophy in Adelaide.

The experience was a good omen for Swiatek, who would finish the season with two major wins—including her first hard-court Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.

“I remember that I was just happy that I could win matches on hard court, matches that are tight, and also that I could use my physicality to win—even though I played a few three-hour matches last year,” the Pole recalled.

“It was pretty tough, but I was super proud of myself and I felt like I was doing progress. Australia has always been [like that] for me.”