Basavareddy edges Kouame in three sets in US Open qualifying

Nishesh Basavareddy came through a three-set battle against Moise Kouame, 7-6 4-6 6-3, to advance from the US Open qualifying quarterfinals. The American's steadier delivery told the story: he landed 67.8% of first serves and won 71.2% of those points, while Kouame put just 60.0% in play and could not consistently protect his second, winning 47.4% behind it. The Frenchman struck 12 aces to Basavareddy's seven but paid for 11 double faults, three more than his opponent's eight. The win moved Basavareddy within one round of the main draw in New York.