Why Newport sensation Alex Michelsen is being tipped for massive things

James Richardson 23 Jul 2023 11:25 AM

Looking up at exterior of International Tennis Hall of Fame at Newport.

Young American Alex Michelsen has caused a stir at Newport this week with a sensational run to the final.

The 18-year-old has drawn the eye of those in the know in American tennis, including Brad Gilbert.

Gilbert feels that Michelsen could be the breakout young star of US tennis this season.

“I watched him the first week in January when he was ranked 650,” Gilbert told ATPTour.com.

“I watched him play three times in a rain-soaked week in Malibu, where he ended up playing the second round on Saturday.

“Then I saw him play twice in the Calabasas Futures in March. And then I tweeted about him a bunch that he’s going to do this year, kind of like what [Ben] Shelton did last year. He’s going to finish the year Top 100, and he’s going to be into the Aussie Open. But his game is completely different [from] Shelton, who had a big serve and kind of flies around the court.”

Gilbert is among those who have been deeply impressed by Michelsen, particularly how well he moves for a tall player.

“His two strengths are that he moves incredibly for 6’4″, and he knows how to defend, kind of like a Murray skill, or a Brooksby,” Gilbert added.

“But he’s even faster than Brooksby.”

18, 332 – At 18 years and 332 days, Alex Michelsen is the youngest finalist at Newport in the tournament's history. Michelsen is only the second teenager after Greg Rusedski in 1993 – 19y, 308d. Announcement. #ITHFwithInfosys | @TennisHalloFame @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/tWyNlTex0A

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) July 23, 2023

Gilbert highlights that Michelsen doesn’t only have physical gifts to lean on but has the smarts and mentality to be a top player.

“He’s not getting wild cards every week. He’s just winning matches. He knows how to win matches and his biggest strengths are he knows how to move and defend,” Gilbert said.

“And he’s got a world-class backhand already. I mean, an elite backhand and then you know what else? He’s a legit 6’4”. I would assume he’ll be 6’6″ because I’ve met his parents. His parents are big. Both of his parents played D1 tennis. I will be surprised if he’s not at least another two inches taller.

“And he returns tremendously. I think that’s maybe most surprising about him is how well he returns.”

Michelsen has switched on to his tennis after finishing high school and is doing the right things to see his game improve.

“I just went full 100 per cent on tennis and [had] no other real focus,” Michelsen said. “Obviously, I had to finish high school. Besides those two things, I didn’t put my focus toward anything else really.”

He has sought to improve his diet despite having a bit of a sweet tooth.

“I’ve tried to stay away. Sometimes I have them as a reward. But I try to stay away as much as I can, because it’s not good for you,” Michelsen revealed.

“And especially when you’re trying to go to the gym and get a little stronger. It kind of negates it. So I’ve been having to substitute that with protein and whatnot.”

Michelsen faces second seeded Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the Newport final on Sunday 23 July.