MIAMI — North American Alex Michelsen had to play against the crowd in his own country. A context that, he says, brings out the best in his tennis in the toughest moments.
“I like when people want me to lose,” Michelsen told a small group of reporters in Miami, including CLAY.
“I just had to hit the silencer, unfortunately,” the 21-year-old said on Tuesday after defeating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the third round of the Miami Open. Michelsen celebrated by shushing Chilean fans, placing his index finger on his lips, which triggered boos from spectators on Court 1 in Miami Gardens.
“It was a great atmosphere. I love it. I love how patriotic the Chileans are for their own. I think it’s amazing. But a couple of people were being disrespectful throughout the match,” Michelsen said.
Michelsen insisted that his best level appears when the crowd is against him: “I love when people cheer against me, so it was a lot of fun. Whether I win or lose, I’d say the same thing I always have. It definitely helped me a lot today.”
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In Miami, when a Latin American player faces a local on the secondary courts, the “visitor” often receives more support in the stands.
“It’s part of what makes this tournament great. It’s the city. There are a ton of South Americans around here, and I think the atmosphere for them has been amazing. I played Nicolás Jarry at the US Open and got a taste of it, so I kind of knew it was coming today. I thought I was very well prepared for it, and I handled it very well,” he said.
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