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Young American Alex Michelsen says he has a lot in common with giant-killing countryman Learner Tien – they both love playing Fortnite.
They are also making a mark on the tour at a young age.
Alex Michelsen defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round.Credit: AP
Tien, 19, shot to prominence by outing seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev in a five-set epic on Thursday night, while 20-year-old Michelsen will be looking to topple No.19 seed Karen Khachanov on John Cain Arena from 11am today. They are the first game up on day seven.
Michelsen revealed this week that he and close friend Tien were keen gamers.
“Learner Tien is incredible at Fortnite. He won’t say it, but he’s incredible,” Michelsen told website ATP Tour.
“If I could have been a professional video game player, that would have been sick. I played a lot of video games during Covid.
“But that would have never happened because I’m just not that good.”
Learner Tien defeats Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open.Credit: AP
Before he cracked it on the tour as an 18-year-old, Michelsen was looking to go to the University of Georgia. He said he was glad things panned out the way they did.
“I’ve just never been a big school guy, so I’m super happy,” he said.
“I’m not the most social guy, either. I just like to play tennis and chill out, do my thing.
