London, June 30 (QNA) - Iga Swiatek of Poland, the world No. 3, advanced to the second round of Wimbledon on Tuesday, defeating Taylor Townsend of the United States in three sets to begin her title defense at the year's third Grand Slam tournament.

Swiatek endured a difficult challenge from the American, who is ranked No. 79 globally, before prevailing, 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, in a match that lasted two hours and two minutes.

Swiatek, who has yet to win a title this season, will face Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, the world No. 73.

Amanda Anisimova of the United States, the No. 6 seed and last year's runner-up, also moved into the second round with a straight-sets victory over Lina Gjorcheska of North Macedonia, 6-3, 6-2.

In the men's draw, the fifth-seeded Alex de Minaur of Australia and the sixth-seeded Taylor Fritz of the United States eased into the second round with comfortable victories over Roman Andres Burruchaga of Argentina and Dusan Lajovic of Serbia, respectively. (QNA)