Trip to Jeddah: Tall order Michelsen returns as second seed | ATP Tour

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Trip to Jeddah: A tall order Michelsen returns as the second seed

The American depends on being strong this season

November 19, 2024

Alex Michelsen will return to the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF armed with an extra year of experience, another inch of height and 20 pounds of extra muscle. After entering Jeddah shortly after breaking into the Top 100 in the PIF ATP Rankings last year, the American has been in the Top 50 since August.

Not bad for a guy who thought professional tennis was a pipe dream until it just burst onto the scene.

“Two years ago, I never thought that I would become a professional tennis player,” said the 20-year-old player. “I was always tough. I was never very good. I wasn’t like Carlos [Alcaraz] or Holger [Rune]everyone who knew him was right. I was good, but I wasn’t good.”

After reaching the final in Newport last season, Michelsen finished fourth in Jeddah, where he lost two fifth-place breaks and missed the playoffs. After reaching the Newport final again this season – making him the youngest player since Alcaraz to reach back-to-back finals at an ATP Tour event – he returns this year as the second seed. Facing the 6-foot-5 Michelsen will be a tall task for any opponent.

“It’s a big stage. Eight of the best players aged 20 and under in the world,” previewed Michelsen. “It’s tough, but I think I’ll be able to handle it better this year.”

Michelsen said he feels stronger and fitter than ever after dedicating himself to fitness since late 2023. He put in intense hours with fitness coach Rodney Harrison, who trained Robby Ginepri – Michelsen’s current coach – while on the ATP Tour.

“I think the gym is just as important, if not more important than the tennis stuff now, at least for me,” Michelsen said, noting that teamwork is the key to success for his long and lean frame.

While Michelsen’s fitness continues to improve, Ginepri calls her tennis IQ her best asset.

“He loves the game,” said Ginepri. “When he’s not playing, he’s watching it. When he’s not watching it, he’s thinking about it. He’s a student of the game, which is great to see at his age.”

Before his rapid success on the ATP Tour, Michelsen considered becoming a different kind of student and pursuing a business degree in college. Instead, his stock is rising at the pro level.

“Being on the Tour is a lot of fun,” he said. “I’m very happy with the decision I made.”