No. 1 contender Casper Ruud holds nerve to overcome Matteo Berrettini and keep maiden US Open dream alive

Casper Ruud took a step closer to winning a maiden US Open title as he overcame an error-prone Matteo Berrettini, and in doing so, maintained his challenge for the No. 1 spot. The Norwegian made light work of the world No.

14 on Arthur Ashe Stadium, triumphing 6-1 6-4 7-6(4), setting up a semi-final with either Nick Kyrgios or Karen Khachanov. Ad In just nine minutes the Norwegian — in with a shot of becoming the new men’s No. 1 at the end of the tournament, as do Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz — was three up after quickly breaking his Italian opponent.

US OpenUS Open order of play, Day 10 — When are Swiatek, Alcaraz and Rublev playing?3 HOURS AGO The fifth seed was in dominant form and raced to a 5-0 lead and only then did Berrettini manage to hold his serve to pull one back. However after the first set, and 28 minutes, Ruud was a set up and was denying Berrettini the chance to exploit his powerful forehand. Before the match, Berrettini and Ruud were both welcomed by John McEnroe as part of the next generation of men’s tennis, but on this showing it is Ruud who will be one of the dominant figures, and after just 50 minutes he was 4-1 up and serving for 5-1.

US Open — LIVE Alcaraz, Sinner and Tiafoe — 'Their time has come' says McEnroe Raducanu and Murray could team up for Great Britain in new mixed tournament Berrettini kept his composure though and found some resistance when he broke to 5-3, and held his serve to take it to 5-4. Ruud, however, was unruffled and set himself up for two set points, needing just one to leave him one set from victory. Perhaps Ruud was unable to maintain those exceptional early standards so consistently, and Berrettini put the pressure on to break to 2-0 up.