ATP Brisbane: Alex Michelsen vs Jordan Thompson; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Aussie star, Jordan Thompson is all set to take on America’s Alex Michelsen in the R16 of the Brisbane International. Both these tennis stars had an outstanding 2024 season and guess what? They’ve already got off to a winning start to their campaign in 2025 as well! Now, the question is who can extend that run further in Brisbane?

Alex Michelsen vs Jordan Thompson: Preview

The 20-year-old American rising star, Alex Michelsen made quite a few deep runs in the tournaments last season. He reached the final of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships but was defeated by his compatriot Marcos Giron by 7-6(4),3-6,5-7. He also managed to reach the final at the Winston-Salem Open. However, it was Lorenzo Sonego who got the better of the American star in that tournament.

Apart from these two tournaments, Michelsen also reached the SF of the Moselle Open and the Next Gen ATP Finals. He is entering this contest following his three-set triumph over Australia’s Christopher O’Connell in the first round (R32).

His opponent, Jordan Thompson on the other hand, won a title in the 2024 season, He defeated Casper Ruud in two sets in the final of the Los Cabos Open. Apart from that, he also reached the final of the Atlanta Open, but in that match, Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka defeated him in three sets.

Thompson also reached the QF and SF in some tournaments last season, but he failed to win another title after his success in Los Cabos. The 30-year-old Aussie will be entering this epic battle following his impressive performance against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. He defeated the Italian by 3-6,6-3,6-4.

Michelsen vs Thompson: Head-to-Head

Michelsen and Thompson have faced each other twice in their careers so far and Thompson currently has a 2-0 in the H2H record against Michelsen. Can the American pull one back in his favor in their third encounter?

• 2024 Los Cabos QF: Thompson 0-6,7-6(1),7-5.
• 2023 Rome, GA Final: Thompson 6-4,6-2.

Prediction: Thompson to win in three sets

Jordan Thompson has a clear edge over the young American in the H2H record, but is it the only factor that is keeping him ahead in this contest? Well, not really! Thompson also has a better record in this tournament. He reached the SF last year, while Alex Michelsen faced an early exit. Jordan Thompson (26) also has a win-loss record of 37-25 in the 2024 season, whereas, Alex Michelsen (41) recorded just 35-30 in 2024.

Now, if we take a look at their playing styles, Thompson has an aggressive style of play. He possesses compact strokes on both wings. He also has a good serve and volley in his armory. Jordan Thompson has hit 386 aces and committed just 71 double faults last season. So, Michelsen needs to keep a close eye on all these things to get an edge in this epic battle.

Alex Michelsen is a really tricky opponent to face. He has a strong two-handed backhand along with an equally venomous forehand. Michelsen loves coming to the net and finishing off the points. He is also a very good server, especially on the first serve. The youngster hit 303 aces last season and committed 153 double faults. Can he beat Jordon Thompson though? Well, looks a bit difficult. Thompson should win this match in straight sets.