Michael Russell, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6
35-year-old Michael Russell ground out a 7-6 (3), 6-7(6), 7-6(5) win over Igor Sijsling at the Tennis Hall of Fame Championships in Newport, RI in a 2 hour, 40 minute match today. Russell slipped on the slick grass throughout the match, but allowed Sijsling only 3 break points on 12 opportunities. For Russell, it’s his 2nd career ATP semifinal, with the first coming in Houston last year.
Russell was so exhausted after the match that he failed in two attempts to send balls into the stands for fans.
Russell will face the winner of the Nicolas Mahut/Michal Przysiezny match which followed his win. Semifinals are scheduled for Saturday after Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies.
Tennis Atlantic 