The year 2024 was a memorable one for American stars. The likes of Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff carried the American flag, winning numerous tournaments. Many emerging stars burst onto the scene as well, ready to make it to the big stage. Among them was the 20-year-old sensation, Alex Michelsen. Ahead of the next season, Michelsen reminisced his most memorable encounter of the 2024 season against Novak Djokovic.

The American sensation quickly climbed up the ranks and entered the top 50 of the ATP rankings. He is currently positioned at the 41st spot in the ATP rankings chart. Earlier this year, he came up against Djokovic in the round of 64 match at the Shanghai Masters. It was a keenly fought battle, with Djokovic winning the two close tiebreakers to win the match 7-6 (3), 7-6 (9). Michelsen recently recalled that battle and made a candid confession about it.

During The AO Show podcast, he revealed, “Yeah I mean, something that I never thought would happen. It’s pretty amazing, like the guy’s got 24 Slams, won a gold medal, he’s won everything that is to win. It was absolutely incredible. I got a 3-0 in the first set in 9 minutes and I was like I can win and I got a little tight. But yeah, incredible experience, I get to tell my grandkids, I got to play against Novak.”

Despite the defeat, it was good exposure for the 20-year-old, having come so close to winning against the 24-time Grand Slam champion. And, Michelsen’s efforts didn’t go in vain eventually as he went on to qualify for the ATP Next Gen Finals, which is set to begin tomorrow in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is the second seed there, behind Frenchman Arthur Fils.

Ahead of the tournament, Michelsen is excited about the talent his country boasts. The American sensation picked Taylor Fritz as the one to look out for next year.

Alex Michelsen pins his hopes on Taylor Fritz

While Michelsen has just entered the limelight, Fritz has been among the top stars for long. This year, he came close to winning his maiden Grand Slam title, as he made it to the final of the US Open where he eventually lost to Jannik Sinner. However, Michelsen is looking forward to Fritz leading his country’s hopes in the next season.

Ahead of the ATP Next Gen Finals, Michelsen revealed, “Fritz is also SoCal so I hit with him a little bit when I was a kid. Just to be around was really cool and now he’s four in the world which is amazing. Our depth is very good right now as well. We got someone in the top five and we have very good depth. I’m like the sixth-ranked American native and I’m 42 in the World; that’s not too bad I think.”

Michelsen will take on compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy in the group-stage encounter tomorrow in Jeddah. Subsequently, he will also play against Shang Juncheng and Luca Van Assche in the other two group-stage matches. Can Michelsen win the ATP Next-Gen Finals? Let us know your views in the comments below.