Familiar faces and new names continue to impress the packed crowd at the 2023 Infosys Hall of Fame Open. Three thrilling matches took place on Center Court to mark the second half of the singles’ quarterfinals, and beginning of the doubles draw’s semifinals.
In between the first and second match, the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) was presented with a traditional Māori Toanga Whakairo carving by Tennis New Zealand and Aotearoa Māori Tennis Association. ITHF Honorary President Kim Clijsters received the carving from representatives from both organizations, and leadership from Rhode Island’s Narragansett Tribe.
The carving, honoring a gathering of cultures and tennis, was presented to ITHF in recognition and gratitude for providing a neutral venue for New Zealand’s Davis Cup tie in September 2021. The ITHF served as host for the tie between New Zealand and the Republic of Korea, due to Covid travel restrictions in New Zealand at the time.
Watch the ceremony here.
Today’s singles draw was a faceoff of the Americans. Alex Michelsen kept making waves here in Newport, eliminating No. 4 seed Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. World No. 59 McDonald is the highest ranked opponent Michelsen has ever defeated. The 18 year-old dominated throughout the 70 minute match, winning 82% of his first serve points alone.
“Winning breeds winning, and I am going to ride the wave for however long I can,“ said Michelsen. “Being at this tournament alone... I’m not really processing any of this right now. I don’t feel like I am in a semi[final] in the ATP right now, but I guess I am. I think that is why I am playing pretty loose tennis.”
Since making his ATP main draw debut in June, Michelsen has captured a Challenger title (Chicago), and continues with a tour-level best performance here at Newport.
Michelsen will face John Isner tomorrow. The four-time Infosys Hall of Fame Champion’s quest for title number five continues, defeating the No. 1 seed and World No. 14 Tommy Paul in a three-set nailbiter, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6. Coming from behind, the Newport fan favorite’s notorious serve proved too big, hammering down a 2023 tournament record, 20 aces in the match.
“I came into the tournament on a crazy losing streak. I had a feeling if I came back to a comfortable environment, [Newport] a place I’ve had success in, I could turn things around, but I know nothing is guaranteed. I think I have turned it around. We’ll have to see how the rest of the tournament goes, but winning three in a row is pretty big for me, especially with the quality of my opponent. I’ve got to say, I’m pretty proud of myself,” said Isner.
Isner improves his record at Newport to 27-6, and remains unbeaten against Paul (3-0). Tomorrow will mark the American’s seventh Infosys Hall of Fame semifinal.
The lone doubles match of the day featured Max Purcell and William Blumberg besting Anirudh Chandrasekar and Vijay Sundar Prashanth in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6. The Aussie/American pair silenced their opponents’ attempt to force a third set, saving a set point to force a tiebreak. The duo also saved each break point faced during the match.
Purcell, a 2022 Wimbledon doubles champion, advances to his first career final at Newport, while Blumberg seeks his third consecutive Infosys Hall of Fame Open doubles title.
The 2023 Infosys Hall of Fame doubles finalists await the winners of tomorrow’s semifinals match between No. 1 seed Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow, and seasoned team Yuki Bhrambi and Saketh Myeni.
Hall of Famers continue to descend on Newport ahead of Enshrinement Weekend. The festivities begin tonight with the first annual Courting Fashion at Ochre Court, where the Hall’s fashion archives will be on full display. On Saturday, Esther Vergeer and Rick Draney – two wheelchair tennis icons – will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame after the conclusion of match play.
Limited tickets are available for Saturday’s events, including the Brooks Brothers Brunch with Legends, Induction and Enshrinement Reception Presented by Infosys.
Tune into live action and content across the Infosys Hall of Fame Open social channels on Facebook and Instagram, and live on the Tennis One app.
