The American Showdown

Florida meets California...

As expected, Michelsen would have no problem being ruthless against his friend, Tien. It's a very good matchup for him, but we still have to acknowledge a great performance from him, looking very comfortable in the conditions here. Korda made his way into the QF after Lehecka was forced to retire early in the second set with an ankle injury. Despite this, he looks incredibly comfortable in the conditions here as well.

Unfortunately for Michelsen, this matchup against Korda should be a lot tougher than his recent one against Tien. Alex is very good against an opponent that has clear weaknesses that he is built to exploit (who isn't), where he can enter the match with a plan A and win the match with a plan A. Against Sebi, his strengths are also some of Korda's strengths... the issue is that Korda does most of them better or at the same level. Serving/Returning/Backhand and Net Game - those are things that Korda excels at as well! While Michelsen is a great ballstriker, Korda is an elite ballstriker. Both of them are susceptible to being rushed on their FH, so whoever can dictate the rallies will have an advantage - most likely the better ballstriker. I will also give Korda an advantage when it comes to movement. My main concern for Korda, as usual, is his ability to completely self-destruct with some crazy errors/choking...