Zheng beats Burel 6-1 7-5 to reach US Open qualifying final

Qinwen Zheng came through the US Open qualifying semifinals with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Clara Burel, racing through the opening set before holding off a stiffer challenge in the second. The Chinese player landed only 47.5% of her first serves and coughed up eight double faults, yet she was punishing when the delivery landed, winning 75.9% of first-serve points and 56.2% behind the second. Burel, by contrast, was undone on her weaker ball, taking just 28% of her second-serve points despite a steadier 59% first-serve rate. Zheng moved a step from the main draw.