John Isner, Lleyton Hewitt into Newport semifinals |
~ The International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2013 Enshrinement Ceremony will precede the semifinals. Live coverage of the ceremony and semifinals begins at 12:30 pm on Tennis Channel. ~
NEWPORT, R.I., July 12, 2013 – Defending champion John Isner and 2012 runner up Lleyton Hewitt will meet on the grass courts of Newport once again when they face off tomorrow in the semifinal round of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.
Isner defeated fellow big server Ivo Karlovic today in the quarterfinals, 7-6(3), 7-6(3). Isner fired 23 aces, and Karlovic served up 14 in the close match.
In today’s other quarterfinal, Lleyton Hewitt defeated Czech qualifier Jan Hernych, in a three set battle.
In his post-match interview Hewitt took a moment to comment on Rod Laver, who is currently in Newport for Saturday’s International Tennis Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. “I’m privileged that he’s Australian and that I’ve spent some time with him over the years. It’s one of the reasons I’m proud to play Davis Cup for Australia, we’ve won it so many times that you look at the honor board and the guys that played before so the records that I have in Davis Cup make me even more proud.”
Tomorrow’s events in Newport kick off with the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, which will be broadcast live on Tennis Channel at 12:30 pm, followed by semifinals starting at 2 pm. The Hall of Fame Class of 2013 features Martina Hingis, Cliff Drysdale, Charlie Pasarell, Ion Tiriac, and Thelma Coyne Long.
Friday’s results and Saturday’s order of play are listed below. For additional information, tickets, and live scoring, visit www.HallofFameTennisChampionships.com
Singles – Quarterfinals
[2] J Isner (USA) d I Karlovic (CRO) 76(3) 76(3)
[4] L Hewitt (AUS) d [Q] J Hernych (CZE) 67(3) 64 62
Doubles – Semifinals
T Smyczek (USA) / R Williams (USA) d I Karlovic (CRO) / D Sharan (IND) 76(2) 67(5) 10-8
Quarterfinals
[4] M Demoliner (BRA) / A Sa (BRA) d M Ebden (AUS) / I Sijsling (NED) 63 62 ORDER OF PLAY – SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2013
Starting at 2:00 PM
[WC] N Mahut (FRA) vs M Russell (USA)
Not Before 4:00 PM
[4] L Hewitt (AUS) vs [2] J Isner (USA)
[4] M Demoliner (BRA) / A Sa (BRA) vs [2] N Mahut (FRA) / E Roger-Vasselin (FRA)
John Isner, Lleyton Hewitt into Newport semifinals – http://t.co/vQdu8N0tZL @JohnIsner @TennisHalloFame #Tennis