Rising American ATP Star Name-Drops Coco Gauff in a Dream Tennis Scenario

At just 19 years old, Alex Michelsen recently became the youngest player from the United States of America to win a Masters 1000 at the BNP Paribas Open. Even though this was a dominant debut for the American, the next-generation ATP has proven that he rightfully belongs there. But while Michelsen is rapidly rising to the top, who is someone he admires? Turns out, it’s someone close to his age.

Michelsen recently talked about his ultimate mixed doubles partner on the court and guess what? It was another teenager and a record holder just like him – none other than Coco Gauff!

Alex Michelsen picks Coco Gauff as his ultimate mixed doubles partner

In a recent round of questions with Gio Journal, American tennis sensation Alex Michelsen opened up about the players he admires and would love to partner up with. Taking his pick from a number of options of experienced and top-seeded players, the American went with Coco Gauff.

He shared, “For my ultimate mixed doubles partner, I could say Coco Gauff. She’s my age—19, a couple of months older than me—and she’s American, so I would say Coco.” Interestingly, that is not the only similarity between Gauff and Michelsen. They are both overachievers given their age – Coco Gauff won her first grand slam as a teenager after all.

Besides Gauff, Michelsen also chose to highlight other players who have made a difference in his life and whom he idolizes. Of course, the list includes Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Also read: ‘He Is Not Loved’ – Fans Take Vicious Swipe At Novak Djokovic As He Fails To Claim ATP ‘Favorite’ Award In Roger Federer And Rafael Nadal’s Absence

American prodigy oscillates between Rafa and Fed as idols

During the same interview, Alex Michelsen also talked about how he idolizes Rafael Nadal. He reasoned, “He is the biggest fighter on the sports scene. I would like to think I’m a fighter. Obviously, I am not of his caliber, but I think I am a good fighter, and I compete for every point. I am not like him, but I try to emulate that.” Trying to follow through like Nadal is certainly not easy, but this truly shows how much Michelsen tries to be like him.

Further, he also shared how if he had to play one retired player, it would be Roger Federer. He stated, “I mean I started on tour a little bit after he retired, but if I had gotten to play Roger, I mean that would have been the sickest thing ever.”

Although just starting out on his tennis journey, Michelsen has picked the best of the slots from the draw! What do you think of his choices?