Semenistaja edges Shubladze 7-6 6-4 in US Open qualifying

Darja Semenistaja came through a tight straight-setter against Alexandra Shubladze, 7-6 6-4, to reach the final round of US Open qualifying. Neither player struck an ace, so the margin came down to reliability behind the serve, and there Semenistaja held a clear edge: she won 54.5% of her second-serve points against just 20.0% for her opponent. Shubladze landed the higher share of first serves at 78.3% and won 58.3% of those points, but seven double faults kept handing back the initiative. Semenistaja's two double faults and steadier 73.5% first-serve rate proved enough to close out the win.