Michael Russell overcomes Rajeev Ram to advance into semi-final – Tulsa Challenger 2011
Number three seed Michael Russell of United States battled past fellow countryman Rajeev Ram 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 on Friday to book his place in the semi-final of 2011 Tulsa Challengers tournament here in Oklahoma, United States.
Russell displayed high quality tennis through the match and he required only 1 hour and 45 minutes in match that lasted over three sets. Looking in commanding form right now, Russell has won all of his matches quite comfortably to reach that last four at the Association of Tennis Professionals tournament.
He certainly has the game to make it all the way by claiming his first title of the season. The American has shown that he has the temperament, skills and determination to take on even higher ranked players. Giving consistent results over the last few weeks on the tour, he has improved his ranking significantly and now he is looking to break into top 50 for the first time in his career.
Ram bounced back brilliantly after he was completely outclassed in the opening set. However, he lost the track again in the final, despite having the momentum on his side. Making too many unforced errors, he gifted the match to his opponent. He will be disappointed with his effort as he wasted a large number of opportunities in the match.
Russell made a shiny start to the match. Breaking the serve early in the opening set, he took control of things right from the beginning. Serving with control and accuracy, he had no problems holding on to his service games. Making his second serve break in sixth game, he earned an impassable 5-1 lead serving for the set. Dashing a blazing backhand winner cross court, he bagged the opener to take the set score lead.
Looking for an entry back into the match, Ram raised the level of his game play considerably in the second set. Showing his aggressive intent, he came up to the net every now and then to surprise his opponent. Leading the game score 4-3, he broke the serve to create an opening for himself. Holding on to his next service game successfully, he evened the set score 1-1.
However, in the final set, Ram lost the plot. Russell grabbed opportunities with both hand and he made his opponent pay heavily by making a double break of serve. Russell will be taking on Bobby Reynolds in the semi-final clash. Reynolds demolished Tim Smyczek 6-0, 6-2 to reach that far.
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