Michelsen: "I have nothing to lose, I know much more about Jannik than he does about me"

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Alex Michelsen will face the biggest challenge of his career (or one of the biggest challenges) today at the Cincinnati ATP. After overcoming his debut against Tallon Griekspoor, the American will compete against the world number 1: Jannik Sinner. It will be the first time Michelsen faces a top 5 player, facing none other than the leader of the rankings. Not only have they never met in competition, but they have also never trained together, something the American hopes will work in his favor.

Alex will likely have the support of his fans on a central court he will step on for the first time. Ranked 57th, he knows it will be a major challenge, as Sinner has evolved significantly since 2019, the year Michelsen first heard of the Italian back at the Next Gen ATP Finals he won. How will he approach this crucial match in Cincinnati? "I will go out to compete and give my best in every opportunity I have. I will never give up, and I am proud to compete," he told ATP.

- Impressed by the way Sinner won the Australian Open

"The level he reached in the fifth set of his first Grand Slam final was quite epic. This match will be very fun, and I have nothing to lose. I will go out and try to do the best I can to play with freedom and have fun, and we will see what happens. I played against Zverev when he was ranked sixth in the world, and now I'm facing the number one. I have never played against a top 5 player, so it will be a new experience, that's for sure."

- They have never played together, an advantage?

"Perhaps that will help me a little. Jannik has never seen my ball, and I'm sure I know much more about him than he knows about me. So I think that will also help me."

- Sinner's growth, but still playing the same way

"I don't think his game has changed much. I believe he has become much stronger, faster, and in better shape, but for me, I don't think his game has changed much. I do think he has improved a few things. His serve has gotten better, and maybe his forehand has improved a bit, but the way he plays remains the same."

- Do you like playing on the central court or does it scare you?

"I love it. Honestly, I'm happy either way. You can put me on court 25 and I'm happy. If you put me on the central court, I'm even happier. So it will be fun, and I hope the crowd supports me because I'm American."

- Alcaraz and Sinner were crowned champions of the Next Gen ATP Finals, will Michelsen try again this year?

"Both won the Next Gen ATP Finals. It's very motivating. If I could win the tournament and have my name alongside theirs, it would be great. But that's not easy to do, winning a tournament is never easy. So we'll see, but I think just being part of the Next Gen is also very good for my confidence."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Michelsen: "No tengo nada que perder, sé mucho más sobre Jannik que él sobre mí"