Samuel rallies past Maestrelli to reach US Open qualifying semis

Toby Samuel lost the opening set in a tie-break and then took control, beating Francesco Maestrelli 6-7 6-3 6-1 in the US Open qualifying quarterfinals. The Briton's second serve was the difference: he won 56.2% of those points, while Maestrelli managed just 30.3% behind his, a gap that widened as the match wore on. The Italian's 10 aces were offset by five double faults, and his first-serve edge of 63.3% in never translated into a cushion once Samuel began returning freely. Samuel struck six aces of his own, dropped only two double faults, and won 74.1% behind his first delivery to close out the last two sets.