Khachanov Takes Revenge on Michelsen in Five Sets at the Australian Open

Russian tennis player of Armenian descent Karen Khachanov made a successful start at the Australian Open, claiming a hard-fought comeback victory in a long and intense first-round match. His encounter with American Alex Michelsen lasted nearly four hours and ended with a 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 5–7, 6–3 win for Khachanov.

The 29-year-old, currently ranked 18th in the ATP world rankings, managed to avenge his defeat to the American at last year’s Australian Open, where Michelsen eliminated him in the third round. This time, Khachanov showed great character, enduring a physically demanding five-set battle and turning the tide in the decisive set.

In the second round in Melbourne, Khachanov will face another American player, Nishesh Basavareddy, who is ranked 242nd in the ATP standings. Notably, Basavareddy is coached by Gilles Cervara, who previously worked with Daniil Medvedev.

Other Russian players also enjoyed success on the opening day of the Australian Open. Daniil Medvedev defeated Dutchman Jesper de Jong, while Andrey Rublev overcame Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.

The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, will conclude on February 1. This year, the prize pool has reached a record $74.9 million. The men’s singles champion will earn $2.79 million, while the runner-up will receive $1.44 million. The defending champion is world No. 2, Italian Jannik Sinner.