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The ATP Next Gen Finals has started and this year will see the rise of some youngsters who will be willing to make an impact in the sport. Coming into the tournament as a hot favorite, Alex Michelsen will be looking to turn things around as he looks all set to face Abedallah Shelbayh.

As both the players started this campaign with a defeat, a win would keep their hopes of making it into the semis alive. That being said, who among the two looks more favorable to win the match? Will it be the American or will the Jordanian player turn things around? Let’s find out!

Alex Michelsen vs Abedallah Shelbayh: Preview

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After making it through to two consecutive finals in the Challenger Series and winning the Challenger Knoxville, Alex Michelsen had high hopes of dominating in the ATP Next-Gen finals. However, his campaign did not start in the best of ways and he suffered a defeat in the first group-stage match that he faced. Facing Hamad Medjedovic in the first match, the American player suffered defeat in the first two sets.

However, he bounced back quickly and captured the third and fourth set. But, when it came to the decider set, the sixth-seed Serbian player managed to stun the American and secure a win. The final scoreline of the match ended 4-2, 4-3, 3-4, 3-4, 4-3 in favor of the Serbian.

On the other hand, his opponent Shelbayh also did not have the best of starts in the tournament. Coming after a disappointing run in the previous tournaments, he faced second-seeded Luca Van Assche in the first game. However, the French star proved to be too strong in front of him and managed to defeat the Jordanian player. The final scoreline of the match was 4-3, 3-4, 4-1, 4-1 in favor of the French star.

With the defeat of both the stars in the very first match, they would be looking to turn things around in the second match the group stage.

Alex Michelsen vs Abedallah Shelbayh: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head statistics between the two players, these two are tied at 0 wins as they haven’t faced each other yet. Their meeting at the ATP Next Gen finals will be the first-ever meeting between the two players.

Also read: All You Need to Know About 19-Year-Old Rising American Tennis Prodigy Alex Michelsen

With a chance to make an impact and strengthen their position to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, both of them would be willing to give their level best and secure the win here in the Finals.

Prediction: Alex Michelsen could win and strengthen his position to reach the semi-finals

Both players suffered defeats in the first group stage match in the tournament. This has put them under some pressure to perform their best game. However, as things stand, Alex Michelsen could be on his way to securing the win and keeping his chance of making it through to the next round.

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This is said because of the form that he has shown in the previous tournaments.  Making it into two consecutive finals really makes him a worthy opponent to register a win. However, his opponent will not make things easy for him as Shelbayh would also like to turn things around and secure the win.

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But it is only time that will reveal who among the two makes it through. What are your views on this? Who are you rooting for? Do let us know in the comments below!

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