Good Luck to Michael Russell

Good luck tomorrow to Michael Russell who is a local Detroit boy playing in the first round of the French Open. He is playing Giles Simon who is a tough customer.

Michael had his big chance in 2001 when he held a match point in the fourth round at Roland Garros against Gustavo Kuerten. Kuerten hit a forehand winner to save that match point and then went on to win the match in 5 sets and eventually the tournament. It would have been a career changing moment that might have led to a increase in confidence and a lengthy stay in the top 100. As it was, the next several years saw Russell bounce between the Futures and Challenger tours with an occasional ATP Tour event that he could qualify for. It is only the last few years as he nears the potential end of his career that he has put together his most consistent results. He has finished in the top 100 the last two and has past the one million dollar mark in career earnings. Not bad for guy over 30.

Russell is a 'dogged' competitor according to John McEnroe and will not be out worked on the court. The is the essence of the Spirit of Detroit.