Stefanos Tsitsipas was at all times anticipated to have his arms full within the first spherical of the Australian Open when the draw was revealed. And that’s precisely what turned out to be the case.
Alex Michelsen, probably the most harmful unseeded floaters within the discipline of 128, upset Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 in two hours and 43 minutes on Monday afternoon. The 20-year-old American known as it top-of-the-line performances of his profession.
“In all probability the one different time I’ve performed that nicely was in opposition to (Alex) De Minaur in [Los Cabos] final yr,” Michelsen commented. “I went in there and I by no means hit the ball cleaner in my entire life. I don’t suppose I performed outrageously nicely (at present) like I did in opposition to De Minaur, however I did play very nicely.
“I had a set recreation plan and I knew what I needed to do. The plan was particular to Stef, however whenever you play that nicely, enjoying that aggressively, you suppose to your self that I’d do this extra usually. I really feel if I’m enjoying like that, it could undoubtedly work in opposition to plenty of the blokes.”
Michelsen is joined within the second spherical by Novak Djokovic, however the 37-year-old Serb additionally wanted 4 units to advance. American wild card Nishesh Basavareddy took the primary set earlier than falling to the 10-time Aussie champion 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in two hours and 59 minutes.
It was Djokovic’s first match with coach Andy Murray in his field.
“It’s all enterprise now for us,” the 10-time Aussie Open champion stated of his partnership with Murray. “I’m thrilled to have him in my nook. It was somewhat little bit of a wierd expertise to have him courtside in my field…. We performed in opposition to one another for over 20 years, and it’s nice to have him on the identical aspect of the web.
“He gave me some nice recommendation mid-match. It’s actually good we now have the chance to trade some suggestions and get our coaches to inform us what they see. It’s been an excellent expertise. Hopefully we don’t cease right here.”
Whereas Djokovic appears to have lots left within the tank, one participant who doesn’t is Nick Kyrgios. The 29-year-old Australian misplaced to Jake Fearnley 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2) on Monday night time and stated “realistically” that it was in all probability his last-ever singles match at Melbourne Park.
Kyrgios, who continues to be struggling bodily and missed mainly all of 2023 and 2024, hit eight double-faults and received simply 44 % of his second-serve factors.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You may observe him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
