Rising American star Alex Michelsen has pulled off another surprise victory to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open. The 20-year-old backed up his first-round upset of world #11 and 2023 Australian Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas with a straight-sets demolition of 19th seed Karen Khachanov on Saturday, winning 6-3 7-6 6-2.
With these two top-20 victories, Michelsen has become the youngest American since the great Pete Sampras and four-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi at the 1990 US Open to secure multiple top-20 wins at a Grand Slam.
“I played unbelievable in that match. I don’t even really know what’s going on,” Michelsen said after his win over Khachanov. “I was hitting my forehand unbelievable. I’ve never hit my forehand that well, so super happy to keep it going in the next round and, yeah, not a lot of words right now.” The young American said in his post match interview said in his post match on court interview.
This win puts Michelson in good company as he becomes the youngest American since Pete Sampras and four-time AO champion Andre Agassi to record multiple top-20 wins at a Grand Slam.
Khachanov, a semifinalist at Melbourne Park in 2023, was widely expected to be a significant obstacle to home favourite Alex de Minaur’s quarterfinal hopes. However, Michelsen will now stand in de Minaur’s way after the Australian eighth seed battled past Francisco Cerundolo in his third-round match later on Saturday.
Michelsen’s dream run has significant implications for his ATP ranking. Entering the tournament ranked #42, he has already secured 200 ranking points by reaching the fourth round. This performance is projected to elevate him to a new career-high ranking, potentially breaking into the top 35. Of course, he will not want his tournament to end here.
De Minaur will be the favourite going into their match, and will have the support of the Australian crowd, but Michelsen has not yet been overawed by the occasion. Could another shock be on the cards?
Main photo credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
