Fish, Isner, Harrison Lead Americans into Atlanta QFs

As I noted in my post last weekend, with Mardy Fish has an incredibly busy summer ahead on the ATP circuit, and so far so good.

Last night in steamy Atlanta Fish blew out Nicolas Mahut 6-3, 6-3 to advance to tonight’s quarterfinal against Somdev Devvarman.

“This was my first match back on outdoor hard court,” said Fish of his first match since the Davis Cup. “You always feel pressure where you’ve had success. I was just happy to move on. I got down a break in that second set. I got some momentum and broke back.”

Youngster Ryan Harrison could meet Fish in the semifinals if both Americans win. Harrison, who beat Xavier Malisse in three sets, is on after Mardy against the Indian Sampras, Rajeev Ram.

“Ever since the (2010) US Open, I have more belief in myself,” the 19-year-old Harrison said. “A light bulb went off for me knowing that I can beat these guys. Even against Ferrer, Soderling and Roger (Federer), I had chances. I know I could play with those guys.”

Ram ended the hopes of Lleyton Hewitt 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 yesterday. Hewitt is currently ranked No. 174 and with his injury issues this could be his final go-round on the summer circuit for the former No. 1.

In the bottom half quarters, John Isner faces Yen-Sun Lu and at noon it’s Kevin Anderson against Gilles Muller.

Tennis Channel has coverage starting at noon. ESPN2 takes over at 4pm.

Speaking of the Tennis Channel, right now they are broadcasting the Gael Monfils-Gilles Simon match from Stuttgart.
Nicolas Almagro v. Florian Mayer and then Fernando Verdasco v. Jurgen Melzer follow.

Mikhail Youzhny is already in the semifinals after beating Marin Cilic.

FRIDAY ATLANTA SCHEDULE

STADIUM COURT start 12:00 noon
G Muller (LUX) vs [2] K Anderson (RSA)
[WC] D Bernstein (USA) / K King (USA) vs M Bachinger (GER) / F Moser (GER) – Possible Court Change
Not Before 4:00 PM
Y Lu (TPE) vs [3] J Isner (USA)
Not Before 7:00 PM
[1] M Fish (USA) vs [8] S Devvarman (IND)
R Harrison (USA) vs [Q] R Ram (USA)