Hunting a title that would secure her place amongst the all-time greats of the women's game with a career grand slam, Swiatek was tested by Yuan Yue on Monday night.
The 24-year-old Pole was also bothered by her skirt throughout the first set, which went to a tiebreaker, and changed into a pair of shorts before completing a 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 win on Rod Laver Arena.
It set up a second-round clash with Czech world No.44 Marie Bouzkova.
Swiatek's underwhelming build-up form was a pre-tournament talking point, following her losses to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic at the United Cup.
And the six-time major winner admitted she was still below her best against Yuan.
"I was a bit rusty at the beginning. Didn't really start well and she used the opportunity," Swiatek said.
"But I knew if I put the hard work in I will play better, so that's what I tried to do from the middle of the first set.
"I'm happy that it worked, for sure. Many ups and downs, but overall I have some stuff to work on, so I'll just focus on that."
World No.130 Yuan twice went up a break against her vastly better credentialed opponent in the first set and pushed her in the tiebreaker.
She was broken herself twice early in the third set and took a medical timeout for treatment on her lower back and side.
Yuan then showed grit to fight back into the contest, frustrating Swiatek, but the Pole's class ultimately shone through.
Pressed further on her early issues, Swiatek said improving her footwork and focus had been key.
"I needed to get my legs moving and go after my shots, overall be more brave with the decisions, I guess," Swiatek said.
"Because for sure she started playing more full and I just needed to react a bit quicker and not be pushed back, but really go for it.
"I just tried to do this a couple of times and it wasn't perfect, but that's why I'm happy, because it's hard to win matches when everything is going well.
"Today it wasn't, but I managed to win, so that's good. I just used my chances that I got and I'm happy about that."
Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, is the only active female player at Melbourne Park with the opportunity to complete the set of the four major trophies.
She has twice reached the last four at the season-opening slam, but hasn't reached the final.
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