Michelsen Turns Pro, Forgoing College Eligibility

Andrew Eichenholz/ATP Tour

Two weeks after he played in his first ATP Tour final in Newport, 18-year-old Alex Michelsen has announced that he will turn pro and forgo his college eligibility. The #NextGenATP American, who currently stands at a career-high No. 134 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, was committed to play college tennis at the University of Georgia.

"This was not an easy decision to make, especially because of the incredible opportunity that awaited me at the University of Georgia," Michelsen wrote Sunday in an Instagram post. He went on to thank the UGA coaches as well as his many personal coaches over the years, adding that he is looking forward to his new journey on the ATP Tour.

Long-time Georgia head coach Manuel Diaz also released a statement in support of Michelsen's decision: "He has put himself in a phenomenal position, especially over the last few months," Diaz said. "This is simply too great of an opportunity for Alex to pass up, and we will continue to cheer him on as he takes these next steps in his career."

After beginning the 2023 season outside the Top 500, Michelsen's success this season on the ATP Challenger Tour culminated in a title last month in Chicago. He backed that up the following week by reaching his first tour-level final in Newport, where he beat former Georgia star John Isner in the semis.

Michelsen is in seventh place in the Pepperstone ATP Live Next Gen Race, putting him in a strong position to make his debut this November at the Next Gen ATP Finals. The California native is two places behind countryman Ben Shelton, who turned pro last summer after winning the 2022 NCAA singles title as a Florida Gator.