(VIDEO) Alex Michelsen angrily launches ball into the stands, avoids being defaulted after hitting fan
ATP
Alex Michelsen was very lucky to not be disqualified from his final at the Winston-Salem Open on Saturday as he launched a shot in anger into the stands hitting a fan in the process.
In fact it was the same umpire who defaulted Novak Djokovic at the US Open in 2020 who was in the chair. Albeit they chose not to default Michelsen.
He was facing Lorenzo Sonego in their tie taking place in North Carolina just days before the start of this year's US Open. After losing a point, Michelsen launched his shot into the stands and he immediately recognised his mistake seemingly scared of the repurcussions.
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The match was allowed to continue after the fan reassured the umpire that she was ok after being checked over. Michelsen apologised albeit he was still thumped 6-0, 6-4 so Sonego would've won regardless.
Andy Roddick pointed out double standards too claiming that Djokovic was 'way more unlucky' in his situation and that hitting a line judge and a spectator were equally serious. "If you fire one hard and hit a fan, kinda the same to me as an umpire," said Roddick on X, formerly Twitter. "Action the same. One just way more unlucky. Michelsen reacted like he thought he was toast."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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