Stefanini downs Brengle 6-2 6-3 in US Open qualifying

Lucrezia Stefanini needed only two sets to end Madison Brengle's run, winning 6-2, 6-3 in the US Open qualifying semifinals. The Italian's edge came from what she did behind her first ball: she landed 80.4 percent of them and won 65.9 percent of those points, while Brengle, despite an even higher first-serve rate of 83.3 percent, took just 48.9 percent. Neither player hit an ace, so the rallies decided things, and Brengle's 22.2 percent on second serve left her under constant pressure. Four double faults did not cost Stefanini, who moved a step closer to the main draw.