Eight Americans are currently ranked inside the world’s top 50, more than any other nation.
2024 was another brilliant year for American tennis on the ATP Tour, as several top players took home big titles.
Taylor Fritz reached the final of the US Open, becoming the first American male to make a Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick in 2009.
The American reached a career-high of world number four in 2024, taking home two ATP titles in Delray Beach, and Eastbourne.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for LTA
Another American star to impress this year was Tommy Paul, who won Queens, the biggest title of his career to date, as he finished the season as world number 12.
Frances Tiafoe’s semi-final appearance at the US Open, was another highlight, whilst Ben Shelton, and Sebastian Korda both impressed at times.
It is one of the younger Americans, however, that is being tipped for big things in 2025 and beyond.
Paul Annacone and Sam Querrey tip 20-year-old Alex Michelsen for big things in 2025
Speaking on the Tennis Channel Live Podcast, Paul Annacone and Sam Querrey, discussed what they were most impressed by during Alex Michelsen’s breakout 2024 season.
“The biggest thing for me is that he has a great thinking player’s mind,” said Annacone.
“He knows exactly what to do out on the court, one of the best two-handers on tour already, and he exploded onto the tour.
“It really didn’t take him too long to get up inside the top 100 and then top 50 and he really feels comfortable at the top of the game.
“He’s a big, strong kid, really strong in terms of solving problems out on the court.
“It has been fun to watch him play this year.”
Michelsen is currently ranked 41st in the world, and is the second-highest-ranked player under 21, after Frenchman Arthur Fils.
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
Annacone went on to explain just how highly he rates Michelsen’s backhand, and what he appreciates about the 20-year-old’s attitude.
“It’s just a beautiful two-hander,” he said.
“He produces it really easily, really efficiently.
“Doesn’t take a ton of time to figure out where and what he is going to do with the ball.
“He’s not afraid to learn to do things he doesn’t do well.
“A few years ago when he was a youngster he didn’t like to come to the net very much, he wasn’t comfortable coming in, now he knows he needs to use all the different parts of the court.”
Photo by Zhe Ji/Getty Images
Former world number 11, Querrey, then gave his thoughts on the young American, as he tipped him to achieve big things in 2025.
“He already has three finals under his belt,” he said.
“He is 0-3 in finals but the fact he has made three finals is impressive.
“He has somewhat of an unorthodox game.
“He reminds me of myself a little bit, he is tall, goofy, and has some skills.
“I expect him to be seeded at Grand Slams later this year.”
Michelsen reached two finals in 2024, as he fell just short at Winston-Salem, and at the Hall of Fame Open.
Is Alex Michelsen America’s best shot at winning a Grand Slam?
Any 20-year-old that finds themselves ranked inside the world’s top 50, will have tennis fans more than excited for what is to come.
In the case of Michelsen, American fans will be hoping and praying that he can finally end the 21-year drought of Grand Slam success in men’s tennis.
There are plenty of other names that could bring home that elusive Major title, but Michelsen could be the one to get it done.
American RankATP RankNameAgeATP finalsTop ten record14Taylor Fritz271630-43212Tommy Paul27712-25318Frances Tiafoe26913-36421Ben Shelton2235-12522Sebastian Korda2488-18638Brandon Nakashima2332-10741Alex Michelsen2031-4846Marcos Giron3134-23Top 50 American ATP players
At first glance, it may look as if Fritz, Paul, and Tiafoe remain the favorites for American Slam success, but beneath the surface, Michelsen does begin to stand out.
Reaching as many ATP finals at just 20 years of age, as three of his older counterparts is mighty impressive, and already securing a win over a top ten player is a big achievement.
2025 will no doubt be a crucial year in Michelsen’s development, and American fans will be hoping he makes a huge leap, that sees him enter some pretty big conversations in the next few years.
Michelsen will begin his 2025 season at the Brisbane International which begins on December 30.
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