Kraus serves past Bassols in Cincinnati qualifying, 6-4 6-3

Sinja Kraus needed just two sets to move through the Cincinnati qualifying semifinals, beating Spain's Marina Bassols 6-4 6-3 in a match settled by the serve. The Austrian struck nine aces to none for her opponent and won 70.5 percent of her first-serve points, enough cushion to absorb a modest 58.7 percent first-serve landing rate and three double faults. Bassols was steadier in the box at 63.8 percent but won only 59.5 percent behind it and just 33.3 percent on her second delivery, leaving her constantly under pressure. The win carried Kraus a step closer to the WTA 1000 main draw.