Michael Russell topples Adrien Bossel to reach round two – JSM Challenger 2012
Local star, Michael Russell, got the better of the Swiss challenger, Adrien Bossel, in straight sets at the JSM Challenger of Champaign 2012 on Tuesday. He notched up a 6-4, 6-4 victory against the 25-year-old to power into the second round at this hard court tournament taking place in Illinois, United States.
Seeded top in this event, Russell showed flawless performance to outshine the Swiss in their first encounter. After earning the fame in one hour and 15 minutes, the American comfortably booked a spot in the round of 16 at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Challenger Tour event taking place from 10th to 17th November.
Russell made a thunderous entry at the Champaign courts. He broke his rival’s serve twice and leaped to a 5-1. Despite squandering his serve in the eighth game, the American plucked his serve once again and clicked the opener with a 6-4 win. He failed to block the only breakpoint he faced but converted two out of five break chances to his advantage.
Ranked 85th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Russell kept momentum rolling in the following set. He got the critical break in the opening game to take the initial lead. The American kept his entire serves until he cashed his second break opportunity in the seventh game, eventually jumping to a 5-2 lead. He failed to serve out the set in the proceeding game but slid his serve once again, consequently sealing the victory with a 6-4 success. He failed to brush off the only breakpoint he came across but availed both break chances to steal the spotlight.
The 34-year-old smashed three aces and clobbered a better first serve share of 59 per cent as compared to his opponent’s 48 per cent. He also brilliantly availed 25 out of 35 points on it and spilled equal number of double faults. Russell prevailed throughout the battle and eventually ended it with 65 points.
Up next for Russell is his wild card compatriot, Devin Britton, who trashed South Africa’s Fritz Wolmarans in straight sets to set up this epic encounter.
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