Stefanos Tsitsipas, a 2023 Australian Open finalist and perennial favorite in Melbourne, suffered a stunning first-round exit at the hands of 19-year-old American Alex Michelsen. The 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 defeat marked Tsitsipas’ worst performance at the Australian Open since 2018 and a crushing start to his 2025 season.
A Shocking Upset
The young American, ranked outside the top 20, played with poise and precision to secure his first victory over a top-20 player in a Grand Slam. Michelsen’s ability to seize critical points and outlast Tsitsipas in the mid- to long-range rallies proved decisive in the two-hour, 43-minute battle on John Cain Arena.
“I wanted a strong start here at my favorite Major,” Tsitsipas reflected post-match. “But I couldn’t find my rhythm today, and credit to Alex for playing a great match.”
How Michelsen Dismantled Tsitsipas
- First Set: Both players held serve comfortably through the first 11 games. Serving at 5-6, Tsitsipas faltered, missing a critical volley and handing Michelsen a set point. The American capitalized with a brilliant backhand down the line, taking the opener 7-5 in just 39 minutes.
- Second Set: Michelsen maintained his momentum, holding serve under pressure and breaking Tsitsipas in the eighth game. A love hold sealed the set for the American, giving him a commanding two-set lead after just over an hour.
- Third Set: Tsitsipas fought back, securing his first break in the fourth game and fending off two break points in the seventh. He closed the set 6-2 with a forehand winner, reigniting hopes of a comeback.
- Fourth Set: The Greek’s revival was short-lived. Michelsen broke early, but Tsitsipas leveled the score after a double fault from the American. However, the Greek couldn’t capitalize, dropping serve at 4-4 with a double fault of his own. Michelsen served out the match with confidence, sealing the upset with a service winner on match point.
Stats That Tell the Story
- Break Points: Michelsen converted 5 of 12, while Tsitsipas managed 4 of 8.
- Longer Rallies: Michelsen dominated the mid-range and extended exchanges, taming his strokes with greater efficiency.
- Quick Points: Tsitsipas had the edge in rallies lasting fewer than four shots, but it wasn’t enough to overcome his lapses in key moments.
A Troubling Trend for Tsitsipas
The loss extends a difficult stretch for Tsitsipas, who endured a lackluster 2024 season by his standards. After failing to qualify for the ATP Finals for the first time since 2018, the Greek hoped for a fresh start in 2025. Instead, his early exit in Melbourne raises questions about his form and mental toughness.
Michelsen’s Moment of Glory
For Alex Michelsen, the victory represents a career milestone. The American teenager demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, particularly in his first-ever match against a top-tier opponent on such a significant stage.
“It’s an incredible feeling to beat a player like Stefanos,” Michelsen said post-match. “I tried to stay focused and play my game, and I’m happy with how I handled the big moments.”
What’s Next?
Tsitsipas will have to regroup quickly to salvage his season, while Michelsen moves on to the second round, brimming with confidence after the biggest win of his young career.
As the Australian Open progresses, Michelsen’s performance will be closely watched, while Tsitsipas is left to ponder what went wrong at the tournament where he’s typically thrived.
