NEWPORT, R.I. — American Michael Russell advanced to the Hall of Fame Championships semifinals by outlasting No. 3 seed Igor Sijsling of the Netherlands 7-6 (3), 6-7 (6), 7-6 (5) on Thursday.
Also, French wild card Nicolas Mahut beat Michal Przysiezny of Poland 7-6 (5), 6-4.
Russell lost the first three points of the deciding tiebreaker before rallying to reach his second career ATP semifinal. He raised both arms in triumph when Sijsling hit a backhand return long and wide.
Russell and Sijsling took centre court after a couple of rain delays pushed back play about two hours.
Russell won the final four points of the first tiebreak, but blew a 5-3 lead in the second set.
