Iga Swiatek is set to face fellow Pole Magdalena Frech in the second round of the WTA 1000 tournament in Wuhan, China.
Frech secured her spot by defeating Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) in a match that lasted 1 hour and 59 minutes.
Swiatek received a bye into the second round and will begin her campaign at that stage.
Frech's Close Call in the Opening Round
Frech had chances to close the match earlier but missed three match points while leading 5-3 and another at 5-4 on her serve.
She eventually won the second-set tiebreak to advance.
The two players have met once before, with Swiatek winning 6-1, 6-2 in Warsaw in 2022.
Swiatek enters the match as one of the leading contenders in the Wuhan draw, while Frech arrives after a straight-sets victory.
Last Word on Sports reported that Frech is expected to challenge Swiatek with her ability to extend rallies.
Swiatek's movement, return game and baseline control could be key factors in the second-round meeting.
Frech has developed since their previous encounter and will need to take opportunities early in rallies.
Other Polish players in the tournament include Maja Chwalinska, who is scheduled to face Egypt's Mayar Sherif in the first round, while Magda Linette was eliminated in singles qualifying.
