Next Gen Influences
My Influences: 'Don't say sorry', Sinner's advice to Michelsen…
American raves about countryman Nakashima
December 11, 2024
Brandon Nakashima and Jannik Sinner. Two words that deeply affect #NextGenATP star Alex Michelsen.
The young American speaks admiringly of the impact both have had on his journey, drawing inspiration from Nakashima's continued wisdom as his fellow Californian and 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, while recounting the key lessons he learned from his encounter with Sinner, including a memorable piece of advice the Italians shared after a clash in Cincinnati this year.
In our latest 'My Influences' feature, Michelsen looks at the figures that have shaped his game and mindset, both on and off the pitch. From the insightful insights of top pros to the unwavering support and guidance of his tennis-playing parents, Michelsen offers a compelling look at the forces behind his rise in the world of tennis.
Which NextGen veterans are you most involved with?
I would say probably Brandon Nakashima, just because he's a Southern California boy like me. He has a bad back. Plays very well, very solid all around. I like to think I'm pretty strong. So, I feel that we are similar. And seeing him win the championship in 2022, I remember being at home watching. I'm actually good friends with his cousin and his brother, so it was really cool to see him win. I think I'm definitely going to pull a little inspiration, a little SoCal inspiration from him before I go there.
Read more in our Influences series
When did you know Brandon?
I see him at a lot of tournaments and he was friendly which is great. I mean, when we were growing up, we all watched his progress. He went to college for a bit and then turned pro. I have been playing the same tournaments. We haven't spent much time together. But in passing, she is nothing but beautiful. He is a quiet guy. There is nothing wrong with that. I love him very much.Of the other former champions, did you beat Alcaraz, Sinner or Tsitsipas more?
I have played Soni twice now. I approached him in Cincy, and at the US Open, he completely anointed me. But I remember we talked a lot in Cincinnati, because obviously you won that tournament. And I was actually there in the doubles and I made the final. So I saw him every day in the locker room. So we talked. He actually told me that I was very sorry, because I tried to touch him. He knew I would follow him. And he's like, 'It's a good game, don't say sorry'. He is actually a very nice guy. Unfortunately, I'm 0-2 against him. But I think that's okay because he's the best player in the world.
Who have been some of your biggest influences?
My parents both played tennis in college. And they inspired me to play. They put a racket in my hand before I remember. I was two years old and they put a racquet in my hand. I'm glad they started me young. You have to start playing tennis when you are young or you will never get big. Both were very good college players. And I beat my mom almost every day until I was 15 or 16. And he was the one who wanted me to hit a million balls and my dad was the one who wanted me to be more skilled, to hit drop shots, pieces. Some funny shots like that. I feel like I got a really good mix of both. And I really took that.
Also, my coach, Jay. I have been with Jay for four years now. He actually told me that he knew, 'Kid, you're going to be Top 100 and a professional tennis player' before I had any ATP points. And to be where I am now that means a lot to me. Those are definitely the biggest influences in my life.
What have you learned from the Tour this year?
The Tour is absolutely brutal. You lose every week. I haven't won a tournament this year. I had a match point in the Newport final and I got to a match point. It was a good week. I feel like last year I was winning a lot because I went from 600 to 97 in the world. I won a lot of games in Futures and Challengers. Even if you don't win every week, you still win a ton of games. And this year I think I might be 50/50. I might have the same number of wins and losses. It's really hard mentally, I'm hearing all this for the first time. And I think that being a good failure, as lame as that sounds, you have to be a good failure because it's going to happen all the time.
Everyone is beautiful. Anyone can beat anyone on a given day in the Top 100. And there's not much job security in tennis when you think about it. It's tough out here. And that I think is the biggest thing I've learned. And definitely a little patience. Patience with results. Patience during games. I feel like I've grown a lot this year. It's been a great first year. You have had many good experiences. I am doing very well. I passed my Top 50 goal. So I'm happy about that.
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