Servebot & comedy: Korda & Michelsen mic'd up in Washington

The 2024 ATP Tour Doubles Trial’s first week of mic’ing up players for live action is already producing unforgettable moments.

On Wednesday evening, singles stars Sebastian Korda and Alex Michelsen wore microphones during their first-round victory against Julian Cash and Robert Galloway at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, and they certainly made it fun for the fans watching — and listening — to the match.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous for a doubles match,” Korda joked when they walked on court.

“I’m a little tight, I won’t lie. I’m a little tight,” Michelsen said.

A few seconds later when the players stepped to the net for the coin toss, Michelsen told his opponents, Julian Cash and Robert Galloway, “I’ve got the mic on, so don’t say anything you shouldn’t say!”

There was plenty of lighthearted commentary from the players as the match wore on. Korda had a great serving match, leading to his partner calling him “Servebot” and “John”, in reference to John Isner, the career aces leader according to Infosys ATP Stats.

The players discussed tactics, where they felt they could play against their opponents, and also complimented different parts of their game. But a lot of their chatter during the match was on the more lighthearted side.

“Let’s go baby,” Korda said.

“Whenever I hit two hands on the backhand [volley], I just don’t miss it,” Michelsen said.

“Always got to go two hands,” Korda replied.

After the first set, Korda and Michelsen enjoyed a fun back-and-forth discussion about their aim for the second set.

“First game break again here or what?” Michelsen asked.

“I mean, I’m not against it,” Korda replied, cracking a laugh.

Part of this week’s ATP Tour Doubles Trial is that there are a maximum of 21 seconds between all points and 60-second changeovers, with time called after 40 seconds. The set breaks are slightly longer, so when Korda and Michelsen were quickly ready to go and their opponents were still resting, comedy ensued.

“Is there a time violation in their future or is it different?” Michelsen asked the chair umpire, who replied that set breaks are longer.

“Oh okay I didn’t know that,” Michelsen said.

“So we could have recovered like an extra 20 seconds!” Korda added.

“We needed the extra 20 seconds,” Michelsen said. “I needed it, I played singles. I needed 20 seconds!”

Korda and Michelsen will play second seeds Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson on Thursday in the quarter-finals.

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