By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, January 20, 2025
Image credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty
Hometown favorite Alex de Minaur ended the remarkable Australian Open journey of Alex Michelsen.
The speedy de Minaur stormed through a remarkable eight consecutive games, clinching a commanding 6-0, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over the 20-year-old Michelsen to secure his spot in the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time.
Discover More: Sinner and Cahill to Split After 2025
Currently ranked No. 8 in the world, de Minaur becomes just the third Australian man in the last two decades to advance to the quarterfinals in Melbourne, joining the likes of his Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt (2005) and Nick Kyrgios (2015).
The 25-year-old de Minaur not only reached his fourth consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal but also made history as the eighth Australian man in the Open Era to achieve this milestone across all four major tournaments.
Competing under the lights for the first time this tournament, Michelsen struggled to adjust to the cooler, slower conditions. He credited his challenging eight-game slide more to the court’s characteristics than to nerves.
“In all my previous matches, I played during the day when it was hot, and tonight, it felt a lot colder. The ball seemed to come at me much slower,” Michelsen shared with reporters in Melbourne. “I couldn’t quite get my feet positioned right. That was a huge factor.
“Sure, I felt a bit tense, but that wasn’t the reason I lost eight games in a row. I just couldn’t find my rhythm. Playing against someone like Alex, who doesn’t hand out anything for free, adds pressure when the ball isn’t coming through quickly, making it hard to hit winners. I had hoped for a day session and obviously didn’t get it.”
Despite the disappointment of his loss, Michelsen took pride in his spectacular Grand Slam performance. Just 20 years old, he had notably defeated former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round and knocked out 2023 AO semifinalist Karen Khachanov in the third round.
The stark contrast in de Minaur’s dominant victory can be attributed to his unmatched speed and precision on the court. Despite registering 25 unforced errors, de Minaur’s performance was still significantly steadier compared to Michelsen, who made 25 more errors yet managed to serve at a less impressive 42 percent.
“Alex just gets more balls in play than the other guys I’ve faced,” Michelsen remarked. “He rarely makes unforced errors, unlike these other players. His service may be slightly less powerful, but that’s it.
“His speed is unbelievable, and his movement is by far superior. His backhand is incredible too. He hit his backhand line so effectively today.
“Honestly, I expected better from him on the backhand rally; I know my forehand needs work, and I’m determined to improve that.”
This tournament has truly transformed Michelsen, who alongside his 19-year-old training partner Learner Tien, is celebrating a fantastic run in Australia.
While Michelsen didn’t disclose his goals for the upcoming season, it’s evident that maintaining his current form could secure him seeded status at future Grand Slam tournaments. He views his Melbourne experience as a stepping stone toward greater success.
“I have ambitions that I’d prefer to keep private, but I absolutely have objectives,” Michelsen expressed. “I try not to put too much pressure on myself concerning ranking.
“Being 20 years old and sitting at 36th in the world is impressive, and I’m genuinely content with that.”