Mochizuki beats Shick 6-4 6-1 in US Open qualifying semifinals

Shintaro Mochizuki controlled the US Open qualifying semifinal from the back, beating Braden Shick 6-4 6-1 with a second set that never looked in doubt. The Japanese landed only 47.2% of his first serves, but he made them count, winning 80% of those points and half of his second-serve points despite five double faults. Shick's four aces were isolated moments in an otherwise leaky service game: 54.5% won behind the first serve and just 37% behind the second gave Mochizuki constant openings. The win carried the Japanese to the final round of qualifying in New York.