Gaubas beats Cecchinato in straight sets in US Open qualifying

Vilius Gaubas needed only two sets to see off Marco Cecchinato 6-4 6-3 in the US Open qualifying semifinals. The Lithuanian's serve was the difference: he landed 63.3% of first deliveries and won 80.6% of those points, against 62.2% for Cecchinato, and he was steadier behind the second ball too, taking 55.6% to the Italian's 46.2%. Gaubas struck four aces to three and coughed up just two double faults, half of Cecchinato's four. The result carried the Lithuanian through to the final round of qualifying in New York.