Swiatek battles past Siniakova into Australian Open second round

The world number two, who served a one-month doping suspension last year and lost her top ranking to Aryna Sabalenka, beat the 46th-ranked Czech 6-3, 6-4 on John Cain Arena. "For sure it wasn't an easy first round. So I'm happy that I'm through," said the Pole. She will face 49th-ranked Slovakian Rebecca Sramkova in the second round. It wasn't all plain sailing against the doubles specialist Siniakova. Second seed Swiatek appeared to be cruising at 4-2 and 40-0 up in the first set when Siniakova suddenly found another gear to break back.