Russell, Mahut reach Newport semis

By Sports Network

The Sports Network

American Michael Russell and Frenchman Nicolas Mahut booked spots in the semifinals at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.

The 35-year-old world No. 95 journeyman Russell upset third-seeded Dutchman Igor Sijsling 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-5) in Thursday's quarterfinal action on the grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Russell will attempt to reach his first-ever ATP final.

Mahut, the runner-up at this event in 2007, outlasted Michal Przysiezny of Poland in straight sets, winning 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 to move on to the next round.

Friday's quarterfinals will pit second-seeded American John Isner against fellow 6-foot-10 player Ivo Karlovic of Croatia and fourth-seeded former world No. 1 star Lleyton Hewitt versus Czech Jan Hernych. Isner captured his second straight Newport title last year by besting the former Wimbledon champion Hewitt, of Australia, in the final.

The winner of this $520,000 event will claim $78,000.

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