Alex Michelsen gives loving shoutout to mom Sondra after shocking Stefanos Tsitsipas in Australian Open 1R

Alex Michelsen got the better of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open. The American gave a loving shoutout to his mother Sondra after the match for practicing with him since he was four.

Michelsen, 20, was an underdog going into the first-round clash against World No. 12 Tsitsipas on Monday, January 13. However, the American's bold shot-making helped add more misery to the Greek's recent Grand Slam record. Michelsen won the match 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 and advanced to the second round.

During his post-match interview, the youngster was asked about how much he credits his "effortless" game to his mother.

"I’m sure she’s watching. We used to hit a million balls from the baseline every day. We would just go out there. She would never miss a ball. She’s incredible. No chance I’d be here without her. Thanks mom. Love you," Alex Michelsen replied via the Tennis Letter.

His mother, Sondra, is a former teacher and a collegiate tennis player who competed for San Diego State University. Talking about his mother, who was honored in 1989 with the prestigious Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship, Michelsen has previously said (via ATPTour.com):

"She taught me how to play and I was hitting with her almost every day until I was 15 or 16. My earliest tennis memory was when I was four and it started raining and I was crying to her because I couldn't play."

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Alex Michelsen reflects on win over Stefanos Tsitsipas at Australian Open 2025 1R

Alex Michelsen at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

World No. 42 Alex Michelsen exuded positivity about his performance against Stefanos Tsistipas. After grabbing his first top 15 win at a Grand Slam in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open, Michelsen said during his post-match interview via ATPTour.com:

"I had a set game plan and I knew what I wanted to do. The plan was specific to Stef, but when you play that well, playing that aggressively, you think to yourself that I might try this more often. I feel if I'm playing like that, it would definitely work against a lot of the guys."

For Tsitsipas, this is a second consecutive first-round exit in Grand Slam events. Moreover, he has not crossed the second-round stage in his past three Majors. Once touted to be one of the players of this generation, he has left fans shocked by his gradual downfall.

Meanwhile, Michelsen will prepare to play Australian James Mccabe in the second round.