Four Americans Remain in the Australian Open
The year's first major tournament has produced some exciting upsets, with the biggest coming from 19-year-old American Learner Tien, who beat the number five seed Daniil Medvedev in a dramatic five-set match. With 12 competitors left, four Americans remain. This group includes Alex Michelsen, Ben Shelton, Learner Tien, and Tommy Paul. With the next round coming soon, there is an opportunity for four Americans to advance to the final eight. Here, there will be a breakdown of each American still standing and their path to advance.
First up is 20-year-old Alex Michelsen. Michelsen is still incredibly young and is new to these major tournaments, this being only sixth. With that said, this is his second consecutive third-round appearance at the Australian Open, and he hopes to keep his momentum going into the fourth round. Michelsen has already secured two upsets this tournament, beating 11th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round and 19th seed Karen Khachanov in the third round. Michelsen has used his unique power and movement skill set to play the best tennis of his career at this tournament. He faces a formidable competitor, Alex De Minaur, who will have the Australian crowd behind him. If Michelsen can continue at the level he’s been playing, it will be an exciting match that will be incredibly physically demanding for both competitors.
Right below Michelsen in the draw is 22-year-old Ben Shelton. Shelton is, without a doubt, one of the most electrifying players in the world. With his powerful forehand and serve, he can beat just about anybody on his best day. Can Shelton be consistent enough to produce the same level of tennis as he did at the US Open in 2023, where he reached the Semifinals? He faces a formidable competitor in Gael Monfils, who previously upset American Taylor Fritz in the last round. Shelton has the speed and power advantage against the French journeymen, but Monfils is never easy to put away. Shelton must be consistent with his serve and use his power advantage to tire Monfils out of the tournament.
Then there is 19-year-old qualifier Learner Tien, who just upset three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev. This is the best story from the Australian Open so far. Tien outlasted Medvedev 6-6, 7-6, 6-7, 1-6, 7-6 in a match that lasted nearly five hours. Tien has only ever competed at the US Open but was able to qualify for the Australian Open this year. He has now won two five-set matches and dismantled his third-round opponent. Tien has seen success at the junior level, reaching several finals, but this is an entirely different level he has achieved at this tournament. This tournament has taught us that young players are here to compete, and Learner Tien looks poised to make a name for himself. Tien has a favorable matchup, facing Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the fourth round. There is an opportunity for Tien to become the star of the Australian Open if he gets into the next round.
Near the bottom of the draw is 12th seed and second-ranked American Tommy Paul. The 27-year-old has been as consistent as any player over the past couple of years but hasn’t been able to break through at a major tournament yet. His highest finish was in the Semifinals of the Australian Open in 2023. He outlasted Australian Christopher O'Connell in a thrilling five-set match in the first round. Then, in the second round, he dismantled his opponent, demonstrating his footwork and consistency. Paul has now advanced to the Quarterfinals, where he faces the number two seed Alexander Zverev. Tommy Paul can compete with the best players in the world with his elite speed, attacking forehand, and fantastic net skills. If he can put it all together at the right time, he can make a run for his first major title.
This year, the Australian Open has kept the audience on their feet. Several notable names have already been knocked out, including two Americans, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz. This tournament is there for the taking, and with four Americans left, they look to make a splash. Look out for Learner Tien and Alex Michelsen to continue their runs and Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul to make a run for the title.
