Melbourne, Jan 13, (V7N) - Two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a shocking first-round exit at the Australian Open, falling to rising American star Alex Michelsen in four sets on Monday.

The 11th-seeded Greek, who was the runner-up to Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park in 2023, struggled to find his rhythm against the 20-year-old Michelsen. The world No. 42 outplayed Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 on John Cain Arena, securing his first career win over a top-20 opponent at a Grand Slam.

"I just tried to stay super composed out there today. I knew it was going to be a battle to the end," said Michelsen, reflecting on his breakthrough victory. "My serve let me down a bit in the fourth set, but I’m super happy to get through it. It’s all about mindset, and I executed the game plan."

For Tsitsipas, the defeat deepens concerns after a disappointing 2024 season that saw his ranking drop from a career-high No. 3 to 12. He managed only one title last year—a repeat win at Monte Carlo—and endured an early exit at the US Open.

Tsitsipas had hoped to reset in 2025 but started the season poorly with a first-match loss to world No. 77 Alexander Shevchenko at the United Cup, and that form carried over to Melbourne.

The early upset raises questions about Tsitsipas's form and future prospects, while Michelsen's performance marks him as a rising force to watch in this year’s tournament.

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