Alexandrova edges past Birrell in three sets at US Open

Ekaterina Alexandrova came through a three-set test against Kimberly Birrell in the US Open second round, taking it 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 after surrendering the middle set. The Russian's serve was the difference in the decisive moments: she struck five aces and won 76.7 percent of her first-serve points, against 61.9 percent for Birrell. The Australian landed a healthy 73.3 percent of first serves but managed only 39.1 percent behind the second, a gap Alexandrova, who won 51.9 percent of her own second-serve points, eventually exploited. Both players hit four double faults. Alexandrova moves into the third round.