American tennis stars shine at Australian Open

Young talents propel U.S. tennis into the spotlight with strong performances at Melbourne Park.

Alex Michelsen of the United States serves during the Men's Singles Third Round match on day seven of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

The 2025 Australian Open witnessed a historic moment for U.S. tennis as young American players stormed through the competition, showcasing talent, resilience, and determination. Across seven hours on Friday, Melbourne Park transformed into a proving ground for the next generation of American tennis stars, with three players under 23 reaching the second week—a feat not seen since 1993.

Among the breakout stars were Learner Tien, a 19-year-old Californian, and Alex Michelsen, 20, both products of the same Orange County tennis academy. Their surprising runs into the Round of 16 have cemented their status as rising stars in the sport.

“It feels surreal,” Tien said after his straight-set victory over France's Corentin Moutet. “To think I was down a set and a break in the first round of qualifiers and now to be in the second week—it’s crazy.”

Tien and Michelsen’s performances have taken the tennis world by surprise. Michelsen, who reached the third round in Melbourne last year, delivered a stunning victory over No. 19 seed Karen Khachanov in straight sets. Meanwhile, Tien, a two-time national junior champion, has captivated audiences with his fearless approach and adaptability.

The path to the second week was anything but straightforward. Tien’s journey included a grueling five-set match against fifth seed Daniil Medvedev, which stretched late into the night. Despite the challenge, he emerged victorious, displaying maturity beyond his years. Michelsen, on the other hand, showcased his skills with back-to-back wins against top-20 opponents.

These performances mark a significant shift for U.S. men’s tennis, which has been searching for new heroes since the era of Andy Roddick. Tien and Michelsen are also the first American duo aged 20 or younger to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Roddick and Robby Ginepri achieved the feat at the 2003 U.S. Open.

Learner Tien of the United States celebrates a point during the Men's Singles Third Round match on day seven of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The foundation for this success was laid months earlier. Both players worked tirelessly during the off-season under the guidance of Rodney “Rocket” Marshall, a renowned Southern California fitness trainer. Twice-daily sessions focused on improving strength, agility, and endurance, often pushing the limits of their physical capabilities.

“The goal was to make incremental gains,” Marshall said. “Tien needed more power from his left leg to maximize his forehand, while Michelsen worked on lowering his center of gravity for better balance and explosiveness.”

The duo also trained on the sands of Aliso Beach, incorporating sprints and football-inspired drills to enhance their athleticism. Michelsen, standing at 6’5”, embraced the challenge of refining his movements, often drawing inspiration from players like Marin Cilic. Tien, recovering from a rib injury earlier in the year, focused on rebuilding his strength and confidence.

The American resurgence wasn’t limited to Tien and Michelsen. Established players like Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, and Tommy Paul continued to impress, advancing to the second week with commanding performances. Gauff, who won the U.S. Open 16 months ago, remains a beacon of hope for U.S. tennis, while Paul aims to build on his semifinal appearance in Melbourne in 2022.

Ben Shelton, another rising star, joined the mix with a four-set victory over Lorenzo Musetti. Known for his powerful serve and fearless play, Shelton embodies the aggressive style that has become synonymous with this new wave of American talent.

Despite these successes, not all U.S. players advanced. Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula, two of the country’s top contenders, fell in the fourth round to Gael Monfils and Olga Danilovic, respectively. Their exits highlight the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis and the growing competitiveness of the field.

As the tournament progresses, the spotlight remains on Tien, Michelsen, and their peers. Both players are set to face formidable opponents in the Round of 16, but their performances thus far suggest they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.

Off the court, their camaraderie and shared history add another layer to their story. Michelsen and Tien, who have trained together for four years, often spend downtime playing Fortnite, a testament to their close friendship. This bond has translated into mutual support and a shared determination to succeed on the world stage.

“Alex is a beast,” Shelton said of Michelsen. “He’s going to be at the top of the game very soon.”

Alex Michelsen of the United States hits a shot during a men's singles match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 18, 2025. Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

The emergence of young talents like Tien, Michelsen, and Shelton signals a bright future for U.S. tennis. With a deep pool of talent and a renewed focus on player development, the country is well-positioned to reclaim its dominance on the global stage.

However, as Tien and Michelsen prepare for their next matches, they remain grounded, focusing on the present rather than the weight of expectations. For them, the Australian Open is not just an opportunity to prove themselves but a chance to inspire the next generation of American players.

“We’re just getting started,” Tien said. “There’s so much more to achieve.”

As the 2025 Australian Open enters its final stages, the world will be watching to see how far these young stars can go. One thing is certain: the future of American tennis looks brighter than ever.

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