Alex Michelsen sends touching message to his mother after breaking into final 16 at Australian Open for the first time

Alex Michelsen sent a heartwarming message to his mother following his win over 19th seed Karen Khachanov at the Australian Open. A win over the Russian saw the American reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the very first time in his career.

A college tennis player and Arthur Ashe Award winner herself, Michelsen's mother Sondra has always been a firm support throughout his journey so far. She also used to be a teacher.

Following his 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-2 win over Khachanov, Michelsen was asked in his on-court interview if he wanted to say anything to his mother. The American responded by saying:

"Mom, Hi! I'm sorry I called you for like a minute this morning. I'll call you soon. Um...yeah, I have things to do, yeah, I love you. I miss you and hope everything's good at home," he said.

Alex Michelsen has been in pretty impressive form so far during the Australian Open, where he scripted one of the tournament's upsets by defeating 11th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 in the opening round. He followed this up with a 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(4) victory over local boy James McCabe before registering his win over Khachanov.

Alex Michelsen receives firm backing from a special appearance in his box

Alex Michelsen at the Australian Open (Image Source: Getty)

Alex Michelsen's Australian Open journey is supported not only by his team but also by a special member in the box. His girlfriend Caroline Girard has followed him all the way to Melbourne and it seems like the lucky charm is doing the magic.

The 20-year-old's new girlfriend was also spotted at the ASB Classic, where he reached the quarterfinals before losing 6-2, 2-6, 4-6 to Nishesh Basavareddy.

A student at Southern Methodist University, Girard is pursuing her masters degree in Finance. The ATP star earlier took time to address the fans about how he maintains a balance between tough pratice sessions and enjoying moments with her.

"We've been spending a lot of quality time together because I didn't see her for about six weeks before this. So, I've been spending a lot of time with her," he said.

Following his win over Khachanov, Michelsen will face either eighth seed Alex de Minaur or Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round of the Australian Open.