Swiatek fends off Bejlek to reach Toronto third round

TORONTO: Former world number one Iga Swiatek survived some nervy moments to launch her US Open build-up with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Sara Bejlek in her second-round opener at the Toronto WTA 1000 on Tuesday.
In her first match since her Wimbledon title defense ended with a third-round exit, Poland’s Swiatek was rolling through the first nine games, appearing in total control with a double-break for a 3-0 lead in the second.
But her Czech opponent dug in, using off-speed balls and some well-judged volleys to disrupt Swiatek’s rhythm, winning two straight games before Swiatek pulled off a great escape — fending off nine break points in a 22-minute sixth game to hold serve for a 4-2 lead.
“It was quite a weird game I’ve got to say,” Swiatek gold Tennis Channel. “Not easy to finish it.