Zheng recovers from a set down to beat Echargui in Cincinnati qualifying

Michael Zheng came from a set down to defeat Moez Echargui 5-7 6-2 6-4 in the qualifying semifinals in Cincinnati, turning a scrappy opener into a controlled recovery. The American's serve was the steadier platform: he landed 62.1% of first deliveries and won 67.8% of those points, striking six aces against just two double faults. Echargui matched him on first-serve efficiency at 68.2%, but found the court with only 51.8% of his first balls, leaving him exposed far too often behind a second serve that yielded 51.2%. The win carried Zheng to the final round of qualifying at a Masters 1000.