American Michael Russell advanced to the Hall of Fame Championships semi-finals by outlasting No. 3 seed Igor Sijsling of the Netherlands 7-6 6-7 7-6 on Thursday.
Russell lost the first three points of the deciding tiebreaker before rallying to reach his second career ATP semi-final. He raised both arms in triumph when Sijsling hit a backhand return long and wide.
Russell and Sijsling took center 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.
Nicolas Mahut, a wild card from France, faced Michal Przysiezny in another quarter-final after the lengthy opener.
Lleyton Hewitt is through to the quarter-finals in the singles draw but didn’t enjoy the same success in doubles. Alongside fellow Australian Chris Guccione, Hewitt went down to Brazilian duo Marcelo Demoliner in the first round 4-6 6-3 10-5.