Alex Michelsen beat Luca Van Assche 1-4 4-2 4-3 (8-6) 4-3 (7-5) in 1 hour and 45 minutes to win the second match of his career at the Next Gen Finals in Jeddah moving to the top of the Red Group. Michelsen, who lost all of his three matches on his debut at the Next Gen ATP Finals last year, has secured his qualifying spot for the semifinals.
Michelsen avenged his defeat against Van Assche, who won his previous head-to-head match against his US rival in five sets by the scoreline of 4-3 (4-0) 3-4 (4-7) 3-4 (4-7) 4-1 4-3 (8-6).
Van Assche started the opening set with an early break in the first game. The Frenchman converted another break point on Michelsen’s serve in the fifth game to seal the first set 4-1. He won 83% of his first serve points and 75% on his second serve points. Van Assche hit an ace and five winners and committed only three unforced errors to Michelsen’s eight.
Michelsen earned an early break in the first game of the second set. Both players went on serve as Michelsen levelled to one set apiece after Van Assche saved a set point. Michelsen won 90% of his first serve points and did not drop any points on his second serve.
Both players went on serve in the first six games of the third set to force a tie-break. Van Assche earned three set points at 6-3 but Michelsen reeled off five consecutive points to win the tie-break 8-6.
Michelsen hit four aces, while Van Assche made eight double faults.
Van Assche earned an early break in the first game of the fourth set. Michelsen broke straight back in the second game to draw level to 1-1. Both players held on their next service games to set up a second tie-break.
Michelsen raced out to a 5-1 lead with two mini-breaks in the tie-break. Van Assche pulled both breaks back to draw level to 5-5. Michelsen claimed the final two points to seal the tie-break 7-5.
Michelsen became the youngest US player to finish a season inside the top 50 since Andy Roddick in 2002.
“If you would have told me 12 months ago that I would be in the semifinals this year, I would have been a happy man. I feel like I was born with a competitive spirit. I played really well and I am super happy to get through. I have always hated losing. I try to put my best foot forward and win as hard as I can, and if I don’t, I won’t be able to sleep at night. I try hard in everything I do, and I bring that to the court. ”, said Michelsen.
Van Assche will aim to secure a spot in a second consecutive semifinal at the Next Gen Finals in a winner-takes-all match agains Nishesh Basaraveddy on Friday.
