American player and Native Houstonian Michael Russell has advanced into his first ever ATP tour quarterfinals at the SAP Open today with a 6-4, 7-5 win over another veteran, Belgian Xavier Malisse.

According to Adjusting the Net,

“At 31, Russell is the oldest playing American on the tour and even though he may not have received the attention of Andy Roddick or James Blake, it’s definitely admirable to see someone grind it on the tour for so long. As Russell said after his win today, “I work hard, I love the game and I always check my ego at the door, and if I’m playing a Future, Challenger or ATP event I always feel the same out there.”

Michael Russell is scheduled to face Sam Querrey.

Check out tennis columnist Richard Pagliaro’s interview with Michael Russell at Tennis Now.