American prospect Alex Michelsen explains how he found playing against Novak Djokovic in 2024

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American sensation Alex Michelsen is busy gearing up for the Next Gen ATP Finals which get underway later this week in Saudi Arabia.

Michelsen goes into the tournament as the second seed, with French starlet Arthur Fils ranked as the number one player on the Next Gen Tour.

The 20-year-old is ranked as the 41st-best player in world tennis and the future does look bright for the American player.

In 2024, he’s had a chance to get to grips with all of the four Grand Slams and reached the third round at the Australian Open back in January.

For Michelsen, it’s all about gaining experience and he’s spoken about one of his favourite moments during 2024.

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Alex Michelsen shares what it was like playing Novak Djokovic

The future looks very bright for the United States star and tennis does look in pretty good shape for the stars and stripes.

Back in October, Michelsen got the chance to play against Djokovic for the first time and he’s shared what that experience was like.

He told The AO Show: “Being on the other side of the net is something I never thought would happen. When I was warming up I was like this is the GOAT, I am playing the GOAT. It’s pretty intimidating.

“The guy has 24 slams and a gold medal. He has won everything there is to win. It’s like why are you here!? I was playing him second round. It was incredible. I got up 3-0 in the first set, nine minutes, and the I was like maybe I could win and I got a little tight.

“But it was an incredible experience, I get to tell my Grandkids that I got to play against Novak Djokovic, it was absolutely sick.

Michelsen can become a future star

With the likes of Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe all doing decent things for the United States, tennis looks to be in good shape.

Michelsen is a youngster with an abundance of talent and first things first, he will have his eye on winning the Next Gen ATP Finals.

Next season he can look forward to playing in the Grand Slam events again and with a year of experience under his belt, the second week feels like a realistic aim.

There will be plenty of opportunities for Michelsen in the coming years and he will dream of defeating top players – like Djokovic – and competing for titles on the main tour.