Alex Michelsen: The American Rising Star Making His Mark
Alex Michelsen is rapidly becoming a name to watch in the world of professional tennis. The 21-year-old Californian is currently making significant strides on home soil at the Miami Open presented by Itau. With three ATP Tour championship-match appearances already under his belt – all within the United States – Michelsen is poised for a quarter-final showdown against Jannik Sinner at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Florida.
ATPTour.com recently caught up with Michelsen to delve into his experiences on the ATP Tour, uncovering insights into his career aspirations, rivalries, and the unexpected perks of being a professional athlete.
Favorite Tournament and City
When asked about his favorite ATP Tour tournament, Michelsen didn’t hesitate: “I’m going to have to say Tokyo. I love Tokyo! It’s the best city in the world, and the food is unbelievable. Everything about the event is perfect – the venue, the people, the hotel. My first trip to Asia last year was a truly eye-opening experience.”
A Rivalry to Admire
Michelsen holds a deep admiration for the legendary rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. “I loved watching the Novak and Fed rivalry. I vividly remember watching the 2019 Wimbledon final while recovering from a broken ankle. I was glued to the screen for every single point – it was absolutely incredible to witness those two titans battle it out.”
His Personal Rival
While acknowledging the competitive landscape of the tour, Michelsen identified a familiar face as his closest rival. “There are players I enjoy competing against because of my win record, but I haven’t faced anyone consistently on Tour. I’d say Learner [Tien] is my biggest rival, as we played frequently during our junior years. It’s a fun, friendly rivalry, and we’re actually very close friends.”
Career Defining Moments
Michelsen pinpointed two standout moments in his career thus far. “Breaking into the Top 100 was a surreal experience. Winning the Challenger in Knoxville was a dream come true. I never envisioned myself as a professional tennis player, so reaching No. 99 in the world felt incredible. And then, winning my biggest title to date on clay in Estoril was pretty amazing.”
The Ultimate Goal
Michelsen’s primary focus remains on securing his first ATP Tour title. “Winning an ATP Tour title is the biggest thing I’m chasing. I’ve been a finalist three times, and I’m determined to finally get one under my belt. That would be a monumental achievement.” He adds with a smile, “It’s exciting, every week feels like a potential opportunity.”
Perks of the Profession
Being a professional tennis player has opened doors to unique experiences. “I had the chance to meet Russell Westbrook at a Clippers game in 2024 and attended another Clippers game last year where Steph [Curry] was playing. Those were definitely some of the coolest things I’ve done thanks to my career in tennis.”
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