Jacquet beats Budkov Kjaer 7-5 6-4 in Cincinnati qualifying

Kyrian Jacquet came through the Cincinnati qualifying final in straight sets, edging Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 7-5 6-4 to complete the job in two tight but controlled sets. The Frenchman's serve was streaky rather than steady — only 51.3% of his first deliveries landed, and he coughed up three double faults — but it did the damage when needed, with five aces and 62.5% of first-serve points won. The difference lay behind the second ball: Jacquet won 52.6% of those points, while the Norwegian managed just 46.2% and 57.1% on first serve despite a cleaner 65.3% first-serve rate and no double faults. The reward was a place in the main draw.