Colton Smith outlasts Jerome Kym in three at US Open qualifying

Colton Smith came through a three-set battle against Jerome Kym, 7-6 2-6 6-4, to advance from the US Open qualifying semifinals. The American landed 65.6 percent of his first serves and won 76.3 percent of those points, an edge over Kym's 69.1 percent, and that reliability carried him through the opening tiebreak and the 6-4 decider. Kym struck nine aces to Smith's five and was slightly better behind the second ball, 51.3 percent to 48.4, but six double faults undercut him. Smith's steadier first-serve platform kept him alive in the qualifying draw.