Wolf edges Mochizuki in three sets in Cincinnati qualifying

Alexandra Wolf came through a swinging three-setter in the Cincinnati qualifying semifinals, taking the opener 6-2, losing the second 2-6 and steadying to close it out 6-3. Neither player found much rhythm on first delivery, Wolf landing just 48.5 percent and Mochizuki 51.7, but Wolf punished her chances better, winning 78.8 percent behind her first ball to the Japanese player's 71.1. The decisive gap came on the second serve, where Wolf claimed 48.6 percent of points against Mochizuki's 35.7. Six aces and six double faults told the story of her risk, and it paid off with a place in the final qualifying round.