Watson fights back past Liu to reach US Open qualifying semis

Heather Watson recovered from a set down to beat Claire Liu 4-6 6-2 6-4 in the US Open qualifying quarterfinals. The Briton's serve was a volatile weapon: just 54.4% of her first deliveries landed, and nine double faults punctuated the afternoon, but she won 66.1% of the points behind the first ball, a better return than Liu's 63.3%. The American struck six aces to Watson's three and coughed up only three double faults, yet she could not match her opponent's first-strike efficiency once the match turned. The win carried Watson within one round of the main draw.