Llamas Ruiz edges Sachko in US Open qualifying decider

Pablo Llamas Ruiz came through a three-set battle in the US Open qualifying semifinals, taking the opener 6-2, surrendering the second 4-6 and then holding his nerve to claim the deciding set 7-6. The Spaniard's serve was the difference over the long haul: 14 aces and not a single double fault, with 70.3% of first serves finding the box and 76.1% of those points won. Vitaliy Sachko managed six aces but coughed up five double faults and landed only 59.7% of his first serves, winning 68.8% behind them. Llamas Ruiz moved a step closer to the main draw.