(July 12, 2013) -- Michael Russell fought through a tough triple tiebreaker match against Igor Sijsling at the Hall of Fame Championships in Newport, claiming a 7-6(3), 6-7(6), 7-6(5) win to advance to his second career ATP semifinal.
Despite falling behind early in the final set tiebreak at 0-3, Russell came back to win six straight points to reach match point. He then converted on his third match point to secure the win.
At 35 years old, Russell is playing some of his best tennis in his veteran years, having reached his first tour-level semifinal in 2012 at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston.
“It feels awesome. I feel like I'm saving the best part of my tennis for the last couple of years, sort of the twilight,” Russell said.
Up next for the American is a contest against Nicolas Mahut on Saturday for a spot in the finals.