"We never really felt like underdogs": Alex Michelsen on Team World’s unshakeable Laver Cup confidence

Sunday, 05 October 2025 at 06:30

Alex Michelsen admitted that watching Carlos Alcaraz dominate events like the Laver Cup inspired him to dream bigger — long before he got his own chance to compete in it. The 20-year-old American, now world No. 32, said he never imagined being part of the same tournament where Alcaraz and other top names had previously thrilled crowds. “I never thought I’d play Laver Cup,” Michelsen said. “I grew up watching it on TV, and suddenly I was there with Agassi, Rafter, and all the boys. Just unreal.”

The 2025 Laver Cup was a breakthrough moment for Michelsen, who joined Team World after several withdrawals. When players like Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton pulled out, Michelsen got the surprise call from captain Andre Agassi. “I was the first alternate,” he explained on the Nothing Major Podcast. “Then three guys pulled out, and I called Andre for like an hour. I didn’t think he’d be that into it, but he was crazy into it.”

Agassi’s intensity left a mark on the young American, who described the experience as both surreal and nerve-racking. “I came out and couldn’t make a ball for like 40 minutes,” Michelsen laughed. “I was walking out side by side with Andre and thought, ‘Dude, what’s going on right now?’”

Playing in front of thousands — a scene that Alcaraz has long embraced with ease — gave Michelsen a new perspective on pressure. “Andre helped me loosen up as the match went on, but yeah, I was tight as a rope,” he said.

Learning from the Laver Cup Atmosphere

Unlike Alcaraz, who has often handled big-match moments with natural charisma, Michelsen admitted the Laver Cup stage initially overwhelmed him. Yet he credits the team atmosphere and Agassi’s energy for turning nerves into motivation. “It’s like Davis Cup on steroids,” he said. “You’ve got guys from everywhere, and the energy is just different.”

When Team World fell behind early, the locker-room dynamic proved crucial. “Andre and Fritzie [Taylor Fritz] were reassuring everyone,” Michelsen revealed. “We knew we just needed one match to get even.” That resilience eventually helped Team World mount a comeback — a mindset Michelsen now carries into regular ATP events.

The Agassi Effect

The bond with Agassi was one of the highlights of Michelsen’s week in San Francisco. The American legend’s mix of humour and intensity stood out immediately. “He texted me, ‘Dude, just call me whenever,’” Michelsen recalled. “Then he calls me and says, ‘Of course I’m up — I’m 55! Of course I’m up at 8 a.m.’ He’s hilarious — just a one-of-a-kind tennis mind.”

Michelsen also shared how Agassi’s passion reminded him of Alcaraz’s on-court energy — the same kind of contagious drive that lifts teammates and fans alike. “You could probably see it on TV; the guy was giving off crazy energy,” he said. “It was an absolute blast.”

Looking Ahead

For Michelsen, the Laver Cup was more than just a weekend of tennis — it was a taste of what he’s striving for. Competing in a team environment filled with stars, under the leadership of a legend like Agassi, gave him both perspective and belief. “It was a total pinch-me moment,” he said. “Playing that event made me realise I belong at this level.”

While Alcaraz continues to inspire the next generation with his flair and dominance, Michelsen’s quieter rise represents a different kind of progress — built on consistency, humility, and a growing confidence under the brightest lights. If his Laver Cup debut is any indication, he’s no longer just watching from afar — he’s ready to stand beside the very players he once admired.

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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