Penickova beats Mandlik 7-5 6-2 in US Open qualifying

Kristina Penickova came through an all-American US Open qualifying quarterfinal, edging a tight opening set before pulling clear to beat Elizabeth Mandlik 7-5, 6-2. The difference lay in the second-serve exchanges: Penickova won 54.2% of her points behind the second delivery, while Mandlik managed just 37.5% and coughed up five double faults to her opponent's three. Penickova also held the edge on first serves won, 73.7% to 67.6%, from a similar 61.3% success rate on first balls. The result carried her another step closer to a place in the main draw.