Wolf edges Shimabukuro in three sets to reach Cincinnati main draw

Alexandra Wolf came through a genuine decider in the Cincinnati qualifying final, beating Sho Shimabukuro 6-3 3-6 7-5. The serve numbers explained the margin: Wolf landed 60.0 percent of first serves and won 70.8 percent of those points, well clear of the 55.9 percent Shimabukuro managed behind his own first ball. The Japanese player was the steadier of the two on second serve, taking 55.0 percent to Wolf's 50.0, and both men coughed up four double faults, but Wolf's five aces to three gave her the cheap points when the third set tightened. The reward was a place in the main draw.