“I’m the most competitive person that I know. I just compete in everything,” Alex Michelsen, the young American star, said months ago, in January, when he witnessed a phenomenal run at the Australian Open. The 20-year-old enjoyed his stay in Melbourne as he succeeded in reaching the fourth round before eventually losing to Alex de Minaur. Since that glorious experience, however, Michelsen’s 2025 journey has witnessed several bumps in subsequent events. But tennis is all about the next battle, isn’t it? Michelsen will look to focus on his latest campaign in Madrid when he steps on the court against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik. But who will emerge victorious between these two? Let’s try to find out.

Alex Michelsen v Alexander Bublik: Preview

Alex Michelsen’s 2025 season started on a good note at the ASB Classic. He managed to reach the QF stage before facing a defeat against compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy. He continued his impressive form down under as well. In Melbourne, he managed to enter the R16 but couldn’t go beyond. Aussie de Minaur ousted him with a score line of 6-0, 7-6(5), 6-3. In the next tournament, at the Dallas Open, Michelsen faced an early exit after losing to British pro Cameron Norrie in R32.

However, he bounced back soon with the Delray Beach Open. The 20-year-old reached the semifinal round before his loss to Serbian Miomir Kecmanović. Unfortunately, the next three events were forgettable for him. At the Mexican Open, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Open, Michelsen crashed out in R16, R32, and R64. But he didn’t take long to return to form. In his last ATP appearance at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston, Michelsen made a deep run and reached the semis before losing to compatriot Frances Tiafoe.

Speaking of his opponent, Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik’s 2025 season has been underwhelming to say the least. Back in January, he started the year with an early R32 exit in Adelaide. At the Australian Open, too, he couldn’t move beyond the first round. Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo ousted him with a score line of 7-6(1), 6-3, 6-2.

At the Open Occitanie, in Montpellier, he managed to reach the last eight but failed to go deep after a loss to American Aleksandar Kovacevic. Since then, however, his form has failed to show a spark. In the next seven events (Rotterdam, Marseille, Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami, and Munich), he crashed out in R32, R16, R32, R32, R128, R64, and R32, respectively.

What about Michelsen vs Bublik, head-to-head? Neither player has met the other on a professional level yet. Hence, the h2h tally currently stands at 0-0. Wednesday’s match will mark their first face-off in an ATP event.

Prediction: Alex Michelsen to win in straight sets

Alex Michelsen has a slight edge over Alexander Bublik when it comes to singles record in 2025. While the margin is not huge, he’s still won 12 of his 21 matches (57.14 win percentage) this season compared to the Kazakhstani ATP pro (3-10). However, Bublik has a lot of experience playing at the Madrid Open. He’s already made it to the QF round here, back in 2021. Unfortunately, his last three appearances (2022, 2023, and 2024) haven’t been fruitful. He was ousted in R64, R64, and R16, respectively.

On the other hand, Michelsen has only played in Madrid once. Last season, he couldn’t move past the R128 and crashed out after losing to Brazil’s 18-year-old sensation João Fonseca.

But what about their playing styles? Well, Michelsen is known for his all-court performance, mixed with aggression. Not to mention his powerful serves and a dependable two-handed backhand. Also, don’t forget his solid forehand that enables him to approach the net and earn points. Now, coming onto Bublik, he mainly prefers to play in an unorthodox fashion. His casual style, featuring underarm serves and trick shots, is unique from other players. He relies too much on a ‘high risk, high reward’ approach, trying random drop shots alongside unconventional strokes.

No,w considering the overall form and consistency this season, the American is likely to make his way into the next round in Madrid. Alex Michelsen is expected to win against Bublik in straight sets on Wednesday.