Costoulas edges Ruggeri 7-5 6-4 in US Open qualifying

Sofia Costoulas came through a tight straight-setter at US Open qualifying, taking out Jennifer Ruggeri 7-5 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the qualifying draw. The Belgian landed only 55.9% of her first serves but made them count, winning 78.9% of those points, a margin that carried her through the long opening set. Ruggeri found the court more often at 62.1% yet won just 61.1% behind her first delivery, and her nine double faults, against three for Costoulas, kept handing back initiative. Costoulas moves a step closer to the main draw.