Alex Michelsen is an 18 year-old American currently in the Newport QF as I type. While he's from California, he's scheduled to play college tennis at the University of Georgia this fall, but, with his success this summer, some think he might turn pro. He's currently #165 in the live rankings, the second highest ranked player under the age of 19 and will be the highest ranked if he wins his match today. His result at Newport comes on the heels of winning the challenger event in Chicago. Before that, he qualified in Mallorca before losing a tight three setter to Wimbledon sensation Christopher Eubanks.
Michelsen is all arms and legs and looks like he still has room to grow and fill out from his current measurements of 6'4", 175 pounds. That might put some more pop on his serve, which is good, but subpar for his size. Unlike most recent Americans, Michelsen's stronger wing seems to be his two handed backhand, while his forehand is adequate, but could use some extra juice. He also seems to be a good net player, with a solid sense of when to approach.
As I write, he's handling Mac McDonald pretty easily in the Newport QF. I've written before about the other top player under 19, Juncheng Shang. I think Michelsen has the higher ceiling of the two. If he can add some strength to get extra pop on his serve and forehand without losing too much mobility, I see him as a future top 10 player.
Michelsen is all arms and legs and looks like he still has room to grow and fill out from his current measurements of 6'4", 175 pounds. That might put some more pop on his serve, which is good, but subpar for his size. Unlike most recent Americans, Michelsen's stronger wing seems to be his two handed backhand, while his forehand is adequate, but could use some extra juice. He also seems to be a good net player, with a solid sense of when to approach.
As I write, he's handling Mac McDonald pretty easily in the Newport QF. I've written before about the other top player under 19, Juncheng Shang. I think Michelsen has the higher ceiling of the two. If he can add some strength to get extra pop on his serve and forehand without losing too much mobility, I see him as a future top 10 player.
