In the end, Alex Michelsen’s BNP Paribas Open campaign came to a rather comprehensive end. Two days after a career-best win against world #7 Taylor Fritz, an in-form Daniil Medvedev defeated the young American 6-2 6-4 for the second time this season. In front of a home Southern Californian crowd, he was unable to make it back-to-back upsets and force a meeting with Jack Draper. Yet, considering a bumpy start to the 2026 season, he should take positives from a positive week and look to continue the momentum in Miami.
Alex Michelsen Loses Out To Daniil Medvedev
A Mixed 2026
His 6-4 7-6 win against Taylor Fritz on Monday really caught the eye. While Fritz has yet to find his top form in 2026, conceding that he would “like to be a bit more aggressive on shots that aren’t as easy” against a former champion on these grounds, you can’t overlook just how impressive a victory that was. In many ways, it was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Since reaching the Brisbane International Open semifinal in January, he has failed to reach a quarterfinal at any level. Of course, losses to Marcos Giron, Karen Khachanov, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Sebastian Korda are nothing to be embarrassed about. However, for a player with such competitive drive to continually improve and maximize himself, he needed to find a run somewhere.
Make no mistake–the 21-year-old’s victory over Fritz was hardly a pretty watch. The windy conditions made for an error-strewn showing at times, with footwork so vital to avoid being caught off guard by an incoming gust. Yet, against a Grand Slam finalist who has made a name for grinding out victories and having an unflashy but effective floor, it is entirely to Michelsen’s credit that he was able to turn the tables. His mental strength and fortitude were on show, rallying from set point down in the second set tiebreak to seal the victory. These qualities were also on show in the round of 64 in a nail-biting 7-5 6-7(5) 7-6 victory over Ugo Humbert.
American Talent
He is one of many American talents on both tours at the moment, and despite his ranking of #40 at the age of 21, he hasn’t taken up much of the limelight. With Coco Gauff winning two Grand Slams, Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula reaching further finals, plus the promising rise of Ben Shelton, this is little surprise.
Nevertheless, he is poised for an excellent career barring any ill-health and enjoys sharing these prospects with fellow Californian Learner Tien. He spoke earlier in the tournament, saying,
“I talked to him after the match. I was texting him, and he texted me after I won today. It’s always nice when we try and go like this to each other, try and one-up each other.”
Ultimately, the solid tennis which proved enough to rattle an out-of-sorts Fritz was substandard to requirements to worry Medvedev. The Russian was comfortable in long rallies, feeling no need force it on neutral balls. Essentially, Michelsen’s way of playing suits Medvedev.
Areas To Grow
Overall, there’s no denying that the American is an excellent mover and owns a world class backhand wing. Nevertheless, there remain obvious elements to his game that can be sharpened up. Unless he gets the time to wind up a take-back, his forehand can often look rushed and lack attacking effectiveness. His cross-court backhand can often force a shorter ball, but against those who are comfortable redirecting pace on that side, he will always struggle to dictate play.
Plus, in an increasingly hard-hitting both back tennis landscape, the ability to win cheap points at the net could prove invaluable. At this point in his career, he is a long way off that, but you wouldn’t be surprised if it were an area that coach Kristof Vliegen decided to work on. Overall, while a run to the last 16 in Indian Wells may not seem so significant on the surface, should results alike come with increasing consistency, it would signify a major step forward in Michelsen’s career.
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
