Young Americans Alex Michelsen, Learner Tien break through at Australian Open

For the first time since 1990, two Americans aged 20 and younger reached the third round of the Australian Open. Both raised in Southern California, Alex Michelsen and Learner Tien are friends and frequent practice partners. This year’s Australian Open was a breakthrough for each. Michelsen, ranked 42nd as the tournament began, kicked off his Melbourne campaign with a first-round win over 11th-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas.

He followed that up nicely, beating Aussie James McCabe and the hard-hitting Russian, Karen Khachanov, before losing to Alex de Minaur. Tien, a qualifier, went the distance in his first two matches. Most notably, in the second round, Tien took nearly five hours to get past fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (8), 1-6, 7-6 (7) in what was arguably the best men’s match of the tournament.

These two bring tremendous passion, poise, and tactical acumen to the court. Both are also superb disruptors. Michelsen’s eclectic range of shots and lively serve is akin to a small man in a big guy’s body.

“I'm my own mental coach,” he said after beating Tsitsipas. “No mental coach for me. I stayed really composed today, but I don't do that every time, unfortunately. I'm working to get there. But, yeah, it's taken a lot of work. Sometimes I just sit in my room and I meditate sometimes and tell myself, ‘Stay calm under pressure.’” Tien’s lefty mix is also vexing for his opponents, flavored by an ability to both take pace off the ball and then break open the rally with a powerful drive.