- Australian has to save set point in 6-1, 7-6 (9-7) win
- World No 1 chasing her sixth title of the season
Ash Barty is breathing easier after overcoming a second-set scare against former finalist Vera Zvonareva to safely progress to US Open second round. Barty had to save a set point in the tiebreaker before seeing off the veteran Russian 6-1, 7-6 (9-7) in a challenging opener at Flushing Meadows.
The world No 1 blasted 11 aces, including her tour-topping 300th of the year, and clubbed 31 clean winners to send an ominous warning to her rivals.
Related: Nick Kyrgios loses cool over towels in heat of US Open first-round defeat