This is Michelsen, Alcaraz's first opponent in Paris

Alex Michelsen has made a strong statement at the ATP Paris by defeating Jiri Lehecka, one of the fittest players on the circuit, in his debut. Although the Czech player had just reached the final in Basel and was competing for a spot in the ATP Finals, the American player has shown why he is one of the most reliable players on this type of surface, capable of beating anyone on a good day, making him an important threat to Carlos Alcaraz in their second-round duel.

It's important to remember that Alcaraz just won in Vienna and has not played in the first round, like the other eight top seeds, so he will face a tough opponent on a new court that will change its conditions compared to those in Austria. Michelsen is a great server with good flat groundstrokes, and Carlos already knows what it’s like to struggle in his debut on this court, so he cannot relax for a second. 

One previous encounter between Michelsen and Alcaraz

Michelsen is ranked 35th in the ATP rankings, so he is on the brink of breaking into the top 32 that defines the seeds of major tournaments. Although Alex has been on the circuit for several years, Alcaraz had not faced him until this year in ATP Tokyo, where both had a thrilling match that went to three sets.

Later, Alcaraz won the tournament, so the mission is to overcome the same challenge again to repeat the feat he achieved a few weeks ago. This time it will also be hard court, but indoors, so the situation will change slightly as well as the form of both, since after almost 5 months away from the circuit due to a wrist injury every tournament Carlos plays is a boost to regain his 100% again.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Así es Michelsen, el primer rival de Alcaraz en París