ASB classic: Alex Michelsen vs Sumit Nagal; Preview, head-to-head and prediction

Alex Michelsenone of America’s top rising stars, is looking to improve his resume in the 2025 season. After a modest end to last year’s season, the young talent is hoping for better results to back up his impressive performance on the tour. To advance these plans, however, Michlesen must overwhelm Sumit Nagal in the opening round of the ASB Classic on Monday, January 6th.

Michelsen vs. Nagal: Preview

The American talent comes to Auckland after an unfortunate exit in the round of 16 in the season opener Brisbane International. Although Michelsen showed outstanding athleticism in the first round of the event, he was unable to achieve a similar result against Australians Jordan Thompson Since he lost to the latter in straight sets.

Meanwhile, Nagal gave a sophisticated performance that was meant to boost his morale Australian Open and can probably play the event in his favor. He stunned fans after qualifying for the main draw of the Auckland Open on Sunday. Nagal whizzed past Adrian Mannarinothe Frenchman, who has the best singles score of his career at No. 17 in straight sets 7-6(5), 6-3. He had previously outclassed local wildcard Alexander Klintcharov in the first round of qualifying with a comeback win in three sets.

Michelsen vs. Nagal: head-to-head

Although both players have been active on the circuit for some time, they never met on the course on tour. Therefore their direct result is 0-0, their first meeting is scheduled to take place at the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Prediction: Michelsen wins in three sets

The year 2024 has been quite busy for Nagal and it hasn’t all been pleasant. A series of disappointing results characterized his season throughout. The Indian sensation, who primarily competes at the Challenger level, could only secure one track title after her victory in Heilbronn. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts to win more silver, Nagal had to settle for a second place finish, which was awarded to him at Challenger Perugia. Other than that, he had nothing to show for last season, but that is not the case with his American rival.

Michelsen crowned his dream year with several notable results at tour level. The 20-year-old started the 2024 season by reaching the third round of the Melbourne Slam, after which he reached the quarter-finals in Los Cabos and Mallorca. He even reached the summit of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships days before reaching the final eight Citi Open. Michelsen’s last performance of the year took place at Next Generation ATP Finalswhere he reached the Final Four before losing to Learner Tien.

Michelsen has a distinct advantage over Nagal due to his superior experience at tour level. Although Nagal’s aggressive baseline play and robust shooting skills won’t be an easy hurdle, the American would likely get past Sumit and advance to the next round.