Former Hurricane Opens Play at Sony Ericsson Today

March 24, 2010

Coral Gables, Fla. – FormerUniversity of Miami men’s tennis player Michael Russell opens singles competition in the Sony Ericsson Open this evening.

Russell, who is No. 68 in the latest ATP rankings, will take on Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin this evening, but not before 5 p.m. Istomin, who ranks No. 77 in the ATP, defeated Stephane Bohli, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, in a qualifying match on Tuesday to join today’s first round comprised of 96 competitors.

An All-American for the Hurricanes in 1996-97, Russell posted the most single-season wins in UM history, compiling a 39-7 overall record, including a 21-11 mark in doubles play. As a true freshman that season, Russell won the prestigious Rolex National Intercollegiate Indoor Tennis Championships.

Russell has been ranked as high as 60th in the world, and his professional career highlights include his 2001 performance at the French Open where he defeated former French Open champion Sergi Bruguera in the second round, Xavier Malisse in the third round and nearly upset top-seeded and defending champion Gustavo Kuerten in the semifinals.

Russell turned pro in 1998 and won his 13th career USTA Circuit title in 2006, breaking the career record previously held by Paul Goldstein.

The annual Sony Ericsson Open runs from March 22 through April 4 in Miami, drawing the best professional tennis players from around the world.