Iga Swiatek survived a big test from big-serving Jule Niemeier as she won 6-4 7-5 to reach the second round at the Australian Open.
The world number one had to recover from a break down in the second to advance in straight sets.
Niemeier was serving for the second set but ultimately couldn’t hold her nerve as Swiatek sealed four games in a row.
Swiatek will play Colombian Camila Osorio in round two who defeated Panna Udvardy 6-4 6-1.
The Pole was severely tested in the opening set with most of Swiatek’s service games going Deuce.
Niemeier made her Grand Slam breakthrough at Wimbledon after reaching the quarter-finals and was no stranger to the big occasions.
In fact the German was completely fearless as she struck the ball with authority, crushing the ball in all directions and managed to create two break points in the seventh game.
However when you’re the world number one, you only need one opportunity and on her second break point, Swiatek remained clutch as she outsmarted Niemeier and broke for the opening set, 6-4.
After claiming a 53 minute opening set, Swiatek then lacked concentration as Niemeier refused to give up and the world number 69 broke in the opening game.
Swiatek eventually found her confidence on serve and pushed for the break back but Niemeier remained resilient and kept finding ways to hold, surviving two Deuce games.
Eventually the Pole’s pressure told as some stunning backhands into the open court sealed the break back for 5-5.
That was all Swiatek needed to sense that this match was for the taking and eventually the Pole sealed four games in a row and claimed a hard-fought victory.
After the match Swiatek admitted it was a tricky opening match and she was pleased to get through it, “I really wanted to be really focused on myself because Jule can serve amazing,” Swiatek was quoted by the BBC as saying in her on-court interview.
“At the US Open she used the fast conditions and she was putting pressure on me. I am pretty happy that I got through this match, the first round is always tricky.
“It’s pretty amazing. Besides being very nervous I really enjoyed especially with you guys because you’re really loud and I really liked it. It’s almost a full house. I know that Rafa got a full house and I hope to see it.”
Swiatek will play Camila Osorio on Wednesday for a place in the third round.
