American Tennis Duo Alex Michelsen and Learner Tien Reach Australian Open Fourth Round
The longtime friends and training partners achieve breakthrough performances at Melbourne Park, making history for U.S. tennis.
Overview
- Alex Michelsen, 20, and Learner Tien, 19, have advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open, marking their best Grand Slam performances to date.
- The Southern California natives have been close friends for over a decade, training together extensively during the offseason under coach Eric Diaz.
- Michelsen secured impressive wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Karen Khachanov, while Tien defeated Daniil Medvedev and Corentin Moutet to reach this stage.
- Their success makes them the first American men aged 20 or younger to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since 2003, joining the ranks of Andy Roddick and Robby Ginepri.
- Coach Eric Diaz has been pivotal in their development, providing mentorship and shaping their games at a Tier 1 academy in California.