Journey To Jeddah: Tall order Michelsen returns as second seed

Alex Michelsen is set to return to the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF armed with an extra year of experience, another inch of height and 20 more pounds of muscle. Having entered Jeddah shortly after his Top 100 breakthrough in the PIF ATP Rankings last year, the American has been in the Top 50 since August.

Not bad for a young man who thought professional tennis was a pipe dream until he recently burst onto the scene.

"Two years ago this time I never thought I would be a professional tennis player," said the 20-year-old. "I was always solid. I was never too good. I wasn't like a Carlos [Alcaraz] or a Holger [Rune], who everyone knew was good. I was good, but I wasn't great."

Following a breakout run to the Newport final last season, Michelsen was seeded fourth in Jeddah, where he lost two fifth-set tie-breaks and missed out on the knockout rounds. After reaching the Newport final again this season — making him the youngest player since Alcaraz to reach consecutive 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. The top eight 20-and-under players in the world," Michelsen previewed. "It's tough, but I think I'll know to handle it a little better this year."

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Michelsen said he feels stronger and fitter than ever after dedicating himself to fitness work since late 2023. He has put in the hard hours with fitness coach Rodney Harrison, who trained Robby Ginepri — Michelsen's current coach — when he was on the ATP Tour.

"I think that the gym work is just as important, if not more important than the tennis stuff now, at least for me," said Michelsen, noting that coordination is key for success in his tall and lanky frame.

While Michelsen's fitness continues to improve, Ginepri calls his tennis IQ his best asset.

"He loves the game," said Ginepri. "If he's not playing, he's watching it. If 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 instant success on the ATP Tour, Michelsen was considering becoming a student of a different kind and seeking a business degree in college. Instead, his stock is rising on the pro level.

"Being on the Tour is a lot more fun," he said. "I'm super happy with the decision I made."

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