ATP Washington 2nd Round Preview: Alex Michelsen vs Dan Evans
🧠 Form & Context
Alex Michelsen
📈 Consistent rise: Ranked No. 34 and climbing, Michelsen has racked up 28 wins in 2025 and made five ATP quarterfinals or better, including SFs in Mallorca and Delray.
🏠 Home soil: The American thrives in the U.S., where he began a strong hard-court run last summer—reaching QFs here in Washington in 2024.
🔄 Needs a big result: Despite consistent showings, he’s still chasing his first ATP final and looking to make a name in the US Open series.
💡 Solid recent form: Wins over Tsitsipas and Bautista Agut on grass show he’s developing a complete game.
Dan Evans
🔥 Washington warrior: Defending champion from 2023, on a six-match winning streak at this tournament.
🪙 Resurgent spark: Beat Zizou Bergs in R1 from a set down—his first tour-level hard court win since March.
📉 Volatile year: Has played 36 singles matches in 2025 but has only 17 wins, with several early Challenger exits.
👴 35 and fighting: Former top-25 player still capable of high-level tennis but struggling for consistency and match fitness across the season.
🔍 Match Breakdown
This matchup pits youth and upward momentum against experience and venue history. Michelsen has been knocking on the door all year, and this tournament represents a key opportunity to finally post a deeper run at a 500-level event.
Evans has the slice-heavy, grinding game to trouble players unfamiliar with rhythm changes—but Michelsen has proven adept at absorbing variety and maintaining focus across best-of-three contests. Unless Evans brings his 2023 Washington form, this could tilt toward the steadier player.
If Evans drags Michelsen into longer rallies and mixes the pace well, we could see a tight contest. But Michelsen’s edge in serve and athleticism gives him the upper hand—especially if he dictates play with early aggression.
🔮 Prediction
Prediction: Michelsen in 2 sets, with Evans pushing him in the first but fading late.
Scoreline range: 7-5, 6-4
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