Gaston routs Ilagan 6-1 6-3 in US Open qualifying semifinals

Hugo Gaston needed only two sets to see off Andre Ilagan 6-1 6-3 in the US Open qualifying semifinals, the opening set slipping away from the American almost before it began. The Frenchman landed just 46.3 percent of his first serves but was barely troubled when he did, winning 84.2 percent of those points and a remarkable 68.2 percent behind his second, with only one double fault. Ilagan found the court more often, at 59.3 percent, yet won just half of his first-serve points and 45.5 percent of his second, and five double faults kept the pressure on. Gaston moved a step from the main draw.