Michael Russell ousts Jesse Levine to reach second round – Farmers Classic 2012
In an all-American clash, Michael Russell took down his compatriot, Jesse Levine, in straight sets at the Farmers Classic 2012 on Tuesday. He penned down a 6-3, 6-4 success against the 24-year-old to progress into the round of 16 at this ATP (Association
of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 series tournament held in Los Angeles, United States.
Russell brought his experience into handy as he dumped his fellow citizen in their first meeting at this Emirates Airline US Open series event. After earning the spotlight in one hour and 17 minutes, Russell not only edged in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series
by 1-0 against the Canadian-born Levine but also secured a place in the second round.
The 34-year-old entered the Los Angeles Tennis Center with conviction. He drew the coveted break in the second game and jumped to a 3-0 lead before Levine could come on the score sheet. Russell then bagged his remaining serves after blocking the only breakpoint
he faced and clicked the opener with a 6-3 win.
Ranked 83rd in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Russell maintained his intensity in the following set and earned the critical break in the opening game. He then swiped his entire serves without facing any trouble and clinched
the set with a 6-4 score line.
Summing up the veteran’s performance, Russell jolted down a slightly higher first serve share of 68 per cent as opposed to his rival’s 67 per cent and impressively availed 31 out of 38 points on it. He also spilled less double faults and capped the match
with 61 points.
Next challenge for Russell is the top seed, Benoit Paire, who received a first round by after being the top four players at this outdoor hard court event.
The Russian challenger, Igor Andreev, will join the American veteran in the round of 16. He formulated a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory against the top Israeli, Dudi Sela, in almost one and a half hour. Andreev failed to save the lone breakpoint he faced but cashed
in two out of four break chances to record this victory.
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