Isner to face Harrison in semifinals
July 13, 2012
NEWPORT, R.I. — Three of the four remaining players at the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships are Americans, as both defending champion John Isner and 2010 quarterfinalist Ryan Harrison secured semifinal berths on Friday.
Isner overcame South African qualifier Izak Van Der Merwe, 6-4, 7-6(2). Later in the day, Harrison took the win over Benjamin Becker, who also qualified for the tournament, but retired from the match due to injury.
“It was unfortunate that he had to retire. You never want to have anything bad like that happen to another guy,” Harrison said. “I felt I was playing and serving well and was in a good position there. I hope he has a speedy recovery.”
In addition to action on court, Friday was Military Appreciation Day at the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, which featured Center Court Salutes between all matches, to recognize local service men and women, Additionally, there were some powerful, patriotic performances by National Anthem Girl – a talented young woman who has set out to sing the Star-Spangled Banner in all 50 states.
Tomorrow’s action at the Hall of Fame begins with the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, during which the highest honor in tennis will be presented to former world No. 1’s Jennifer Capriati and Guga Kuerten, Spanish tennis great Manuel Orantes, industry innovator Mike Davies, and an extraordinary wheelchair tennis champion, the late Randy Snow. Lleyton Hewitt versus Rajeev Ram will be the fist match on court after the ceremony, followed by John Isner versus Ryan Harrison.
The Induction Ceremony and tournament semifinals and finals will air live on Tennis Channel.