Michelsen, Borges advance in Auckland

Alex Michelsen will be looking to climb the PIF ATP Rankings in 2025 and he made a positive start to his ASB Classic campaign on Monday when he overcame a tricky test from Indian qualifier Sumit Nagal to reach the second round in Auckland.

The 20-year-old American, currently at a career-high No. 41, recovered from failing to convert six set points in the opening set to eventually prevail 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-2 at the ATP 250 hard-court event.

"It was a total battle and Sumit played really well," Michelsen said. "I am super happy to get through a battle like that. I had my chances in the first but am happy with how I regrouped."

Michelsen is chasing his first ATP Tour title and will next face Canadian wild card Gabriel Diallo or Italian Lorenzo Sonego.

Earlier, Nuno Borges overcame Luciano Darderi 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 to reach the second round in Auckland. The seventh seed coverted 71 per cent (5/7) of his break point chances according to Infosys ATP Stats to advance.

Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs defeated home hope Isaac Becroft 6-3, 7-5. Bergs rallied from 2-5 in the second set, saving two set points, to advance after 89 minutes against the New Zealand wild card.

Roberto Carballes Baena clawed past German lucky loser Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to improve to 2-0 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Carballaes Baena earned a career-best 25 wins on the ATP Tour in 2024. The Spaniard will next play fourth seed Francisco Cerundolo.