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.”