Michael Russell: Heart Of A Champion
February 17, 2010 by khamp
Filed under From the Net
ATP World Tour Memphis, TN 2/17/2010
Michael Russell who’s nickname is “Iron Mike” had to dig down deep to pull out a tough win last night against fellow American wild card Wayne Odesnik. The 31 year old from Houston Texas, who’s currently ranked no.68 in he world is poised to move into the top echelon of men’s tennis this year. ”My goal to break into the top 50 by the end of the year” said Russell. Michael jumped up 10 spots from last week, where he made to the quarter-finals of an ATP event for the first time in his career at the SAP Open in San Jose, CA.
It was a tough going for “Iron Mike” losing the first set 6-0. ” I had a tough match on my hand last night, Wayne was playing incredibly well” said Russell. In the second set, Wayne squandered a break chance opportunity. Michael just kept fighting and won the second set 7-5. ” I kept fighting for every point and focus on winning one point at a time” said Russell.
In the third set, Michael started playing well by being more aggressive. The final score was 0-6,7-5,6-4, ” It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish ” said Russell and ” Even though I did not play my best tennis, I hung in there and gave myself a chance to win” said Russell.
Michael will now face the no.5 seed Tomas Berdych (CZE) on Wednesday, check out Michael’s new Blog and Michael Russell Foundation under charity.
