Branstine beats Fruhvirtova 6-4 7-5 in US Open qualifying

Carson Branstine came through a tight straight-setter in the US Open qualifying semifinals, edging Linda Fruhvirtova 6-4 7-5 without ever needing a decider. The margins were slim on serve, with Branstine landing 63.8 percent of first deliveries and Fruhvirtova 62.3, and the two nearly level on first-serve points won at 62.7 and 62.8 percent. The difference came behind the second ball, where Branstine won 51.7 percent against just 42.3 for the Czech, who was undone by ten double faults to her opponent's five. It moved the American a win from the main draw.