Alex Michelsen is through to the last-16 of a Grand Slam for the first time (Image: Getty)
Alex Michelsen apologised to his mum on court after progressing into the fourth round of the .
Michelsen has been one of the stories of the first week in Melbourne, with the 20-year-old catching the eye during his second appearance.
The American reached the third round last year, but after a 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 victory over Karen Khachanov, he’s booked himself a spot in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first-ever time.
Understandably, the youngster was full of emotion after the straight sets win and even served up an apology to his mum, who he promised to call back when he got a chance.
Speaking on court, Michelsen said: “Mom, hi! I’m sorry I only called you for a minute this morning. I had things to do. I love you. I miss you. I hope everything’s good at home.”
It was a heart-warming comment from the world No.42, who will now take on Australian Alex de Minaur for a spot in the quarter-finals.
On his latest performance on John Cain Arena, he added: “I played unbelievable most of that match. I don’t know what’s going on. … I’ve never hit my forehand that well. [I] played some of my best tennis at the end.”
He’ll have his work cut out when he takes on namesake De Minaur early next week, given the home crowd favourite has dropped just one set from his three matches so far.
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Alex Michelsen beat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 (Image: Getty)
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, a 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 3-6, 3-6 win over Francisco Cerundolo, De Minaur stated: “You put in a lot of hard work in the off-season, and these are the moments that you see the results, so I’m extremely happy, I felt great out there
“I know that I’m feeling good physically, even if I start losing points, that over the long run I’m going to be feeling much better than he is.”
And on the prospect of playing Michelsen, he said: “He’s been playing some amazing tennis this week
“He’s a kid playing with a lot of confidence, so I’m expecting another battle, but I love these battles. I can’t wait.”
De Minaur will be feeling the pressure ahead of the clash, considering the Aussie has never made it past the fourth round of his home Grand Slam.
The pair are scheduled to go head-to-head on Monday.