NEWPORT, R.I. (AP)—American Michael Russell advanced to the semifinals at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships on Thursday by outlasting No. 3 seed Igor Sijsling of The Netherlands 7-6 (3), 6-7 (6), 7-6 (5).

The 35-year old Russell lost the first three points of the deciding tiebreaker before rallying to reach his second career ATP semifinal. He raised both arms in triumph when Sijsling hit a backhand return long and wide.

Russell and Sijsling took center court after a couple of rain delays pushed back play about two hours.

Nicolas Mahut, a wild card entrant, defeated Michal Przysiezny, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the second quarterfinal match after the lengthy opener. Mahut will play Russell for a place in the final.

Russell won the final four points of the first tiebreak, but blew a 5-3 lead in the second set.