Alex Michelsen qualifies at SF in Jeddah | ATP Tour

Next Gen ATP Finals

Michelsen qualifies for SF in Jeddah

No. 2 seed leads Red Group at Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF

December 19, 2024

Just two matches have been enough for Alex Michelsen to get his ticket to the semifinals of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF 2024.

The American, who starts as second seed in Jeddah, added his second victory in the tournament against Luca Van Assche by 1-4, 4-2, 4-3(6), 4-3(5) in one hour and 45 minutes.

There were two possible ways for Michelsen to qualify this Thursday: beat Luca Van Assche in three sets or beat the Frenchman regardless of the result and for Nishesh Basavareddy to do the same with Shang Juncheng. And the latter was what happened.

The American, who is participating for the second time in the tournament that brings together the best U-20 players in the world, had not won a single match in last year’s edition (0-3), but this time it has hardly taken him long to make his way into the semi-finals.

“If you told me two months ago that I would be in the semifinals this year, I would have been a very happy boy,” said Michelsen, after saying goodbye without a victory in his locker in 2023. “I played very well today and I am very happy to move forward.”

“I feel like I was born with a competitive spirit, I have always hated losing. I try to give everything and earn everything I can, and if not, I can’t sleep at night. I give everything in what I do and I transfer that to the court,” added the American.

Before, Nishesh Basavareddy will not forget his stay at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, after this Thursday he signed the first ATP Tour victory of his career against Shang Juncheng 3-4(4), 4-2, 4-2 , 4-1.

Shang, who was visibly hampered by physical problems, was even more challenged by the shorter rest time between points and the American took advantage of his opportunity to defeat the fourth seed.

“I’m very excited, playing in this stadium is a dream come true,” said Basavareddy, who scored his first victory against a Top 50. “In an event as big as this, in front of all these fans, I’m enjoying every moment.” ”.

“I never expected to be here this year, there have been a lot of good results and a lot of hard work that has led me here, so I am very happy. “I wanted to be a little more positive today and I think I did,” he added.