Pavlovic edges Varillas in three sets in US Open qualifying

Luka Pavlovic came through a volatile three-setter at US Open qualifying, taking the opener 6-3, losing a second-set tiebreak 7-6 and finally closing out 7-5 in the decider. The Frenchman's serve was the story on both counts: 18 aces against 15 double faults, with just 51.7% of first serves landing but a huge 83.6% of those points won. Juan Pablo Varillas, who managed only two aces, was steadier at 79.1% behind his first ball and 46.4% on second serve, but with 49.3% first serves in he could not match Pavlovic's raw firepower. The win carried Pavlovic into the qualifying semifinals.