American tennis player Alex Michelsen captured the crowd’s attention with an unusual pickleball-inspired serve in his semifinal match against France’s Benjamin Bonzi at the 2024 Moselle Open. Michelsen entered the game strong, breaking Bonzi’s serve in the first set and taking the lead. However, during the second set, he suffered an abdominal injury, prompting a medical timeout. Despite returning to the court, Michelsen’s performance suffered, allowing Bonzi to win six consecutive games and level the score.
In the third set, Michelsen’s serve continued to falter due to his injury. Attempting to adapt, he employed a side-swipe serve typically seen in pickleball, surprising both fans and his opponent. Although Bonzi successfully returned the serve and eventually won the point, Michelsen’s creativity became a highlight of the match. Bonzi went on to break Michelsen’s serve three times in the final set, but Michelsen managed to reclaim two of those breaks, keeping the contest close. Ultimately, Bonzi secured a hard-fought victory with a 4-6, 6-0, 7-5 scoreline, reaching his first tour-level final in over a year.
Bonzi’s journey to the final has been impressive, with a strong 2024 season that included two consecutive Challenger titles and another Challenger final. Entering the Moselle Open as a qualifier, Bonzi overcame high-ranking players like Roberto Bautista Agut, Casper Ruud, and Quentin Halys before defeating Michelsen. His upcoming match against Cameron Norrie will mark a significant milestone in his career.
Michelsen’s season is still in motion, as he remains a top contender for the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals. Currently ranked second in the race, the 20-year-old is set to compete in the tournament dedicated to promising young players. Last year, he fell short in the group stage, but this season, he has made remarkable strides, reaching the finals at two ATP Tour events and breaking into the top 50 of the ATP rankings. As of now, he holds the World No. 44 spot, reflecting his upward trajectory in the sport.
Arthur Fils currently leads the race to the Next Gen ATP Finals, followed by talented players like Jakub Mensik, Juncheng Shang, and Luca Van Assche. The 2024 tournament, set to take place in Riyadh from December 18-22, promises exciting matchups as the rising stars of men’s tennis compete for the title.