Australian Open 2025, Day 2: Unseeded Alex Michelsen knocks out World No. 12 Stefanos Tsitsipas in first-round

Tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a shocking early exit from the 2025 Australian Open. On Day 2 of the showpiece event, the Greek-born star was knocked out in the first round by unseeded Alex Michelsen. The star player was defeated in four sets, 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, in what is already being hailed as one of the tournament's biggest upsets. The star player was struggling to find his rhythm in the first sets as the American capitalized on the critical moments of the game.

Despite mounting a great comeback in the third set, Tsitsipas failed to continue the dominating momentum heading to the fourth set. They ultimately failed against Alex's impressive form on Day 2 of the Australian Open.

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Defeating a Top 20 player at a Grand Slam for the first time ✅

Handing Tsitsipas consecutive 1st round losses in Grand Slams✅

All at 20 ✅

What a star, Alex Michelsen@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AO2025pic.twitter.com/L22eV5UGqf

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025

Stefanos Tsitsipas stunned in opening round exit at 2025 Australian Open

Notably, this loss now marks a major blow for the 26-year-old tennis star who entered as a strong contender. On the flip side, Michelsen ranked over 100 in the ATP rankings, showcased his great form under pressure, breaking Tsitsipas late in the final set of the game to serve in the game.

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Michelsen d. Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5 6-3 2-6 6-4

Wow.

Alex hands Stef his earliest lost at the Australian Open since 2018.

He now leads their head to head 2-0.

Before today, Stef had reached the 2nd week here 5 of the last 6 years.

✅5th top 20 win

Fearless performance. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Bj5ETKpvTc

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 13, 2025

For Alex, this win is a career-defining moment. It guided him to the second round and earned him global attention. After the win, the American gave the credit to his mom.

Alex Michelsen after beating Tsitsipas at Australian Open

“You make the game look effortless at times. Between the ages of 4 and 15.. you used to hit every day with your mom Sandra. How much do you credit her?

Alex: “I’m sure she’s watching. We used to hit a million balls from… pic.twitter.com/J3MYuXcyMj

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 13, 2025

When asked by a media personnel during the post match interview, “You make the game look effortless at times. Between the ages of 4 and 15.. you used to hit every day with your mom Sandra. How much do you credit her?"

Alex said, “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.”

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