Michelsen Faces Khachanov in Australian Open Third Round Clash

MELBOURNE, Australia — American rising star Alex Michelsen will take on 19th-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The match, set at Melbourne Park, marks a pivotal moment for the 20-year-old Michelsen, who is seeking to continue his breakthrough run after defeating world No. 11 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round.

Michelsen, currently ranked No. 42, has shown remarkable form early in the season, including a strong showing at the Brisbane International and ASB Classic. His victory over Tsitsipas, a two-time Australian Open finalist, has solidified his reputation as a rising force in men’s tennis. “I’m just trying to take it one match at a time,” Michelsen said after his second-round win over Australian wildcard James McCabe. “This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself on a big stage.”

Khachanov, a former world No. 8 and 2023 Australian Open semifinalist, enters the match with a mixed start to the season. The Russian struggled in his tuneup event in Hong Kong but has since found his footing in Melbourne, defeating Adrian Mannarino and Gabriel Diallo in straight sets. “I feel like I’m getting better with each match,” Khachanov said. “Alex is a tough opponent, but I’m ready for the challenge.”

The head-to-head record between the two players stands at 0-0, making this their first meeting on the ATP Tour. Khachanov, known for his powerful forehand and defensive backhand, will rely on his experience and shot tolerance to counter Michelsen’s aggressive baseline play and strong serve. Michelsen, meanwhile, will look to leverage his agility and recent momentum to secure a spot in the fourth round.

In another third-round matchup, American Ben Shelton will face Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti. Shelton, the No. 21 seed, has shown resilience in his first two matches, overcoming Brandon Nakashima and Pablo Carreno Busta. Musetti, who holds a 2-0 record against Shelton, will aim to continue his dominance despite a less-than-ideal start to the season. “It’s going to be a tough battle,” Shelton said. “I know what I need to do to get the win.”

The Australian Open, with a total prize pool of A$96.5 million, continues to deliver thrilling matches as the tournament progresses. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN and Tennis Channel in the USA, Eurosport in the UK, and Sony Sports in India.