American tennis player, Alex Michelsen‘s win against Jiri Lehecka at the ongoing Australian Open has caught much limelight. As fans are searching for more information about this 19-year-old rising star, they are especially curious about Michelsen’s athlete parents, who might have supplied him with the spirit and motivation for the sport.

While Michelsen’s father was a part of college tennis, his mother received the prestigious Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship in 1989. This ATP’s 91-ranked young tennis star has his roots in tennis. Following both of his parents’ skills in tennis, Alex Michelsen was destined to make a name for himself in the sport. However, this nineteen-year-old prodigy initially wanted to follow in his brother’s footsteps in another sport.

In a video uploaded by Tennis Channel on Instagram, Alex Michelsen’s team comprising his parents and coaches talked about the wonderful journey the 19-year-old has begun. Alex’s father said, “Alex has jumped up about a thousand places in the last year… We didn’t quite see that, but I think Alex did.” 

The 19-year-old American’s mother also made a great comment on her son’s feat. She said, “I think he has a great belief in himself. He’s believed that all this was going to happen the way it’s happened.” Following such incredible support from parents who know the game, Alex Michelsen had the privilege of taking his chances before turning pro.

Michelsen’s tennis brilliance is rooted in his talented parents’ upbringing. The way they supported Michelsen for his future goals in tennis has been a true inspiration to many people.

Alex Michelsen has a natural baseball talent

The son of two college tennis players, Michelsen began playing the sport at age 3. His mother, Sondra, starred at San Diego State, and his father, Erik, was a three-time all-American at the University of Redlands in Redlands, Calif. This nineteen-year-old prodigy initially wanted to follow in his brother’s footsteps and try swimming.

However, after realizing that the sport was not meant for him, Michelsen tried his hand at soccer and baseball. Additionally, many of Michelsen’s close acquaintances speak about his natural baseball talent. Nevertheless, this American star finally chose tennis as his professional sport as his parents were tennis players too.

Michelsen’s father, Erik Michelsen, played college tennis at California’s Redlands University. However, he had a knack for volleyball and often amused the audience with his ability to reach the net. Alex Michelsen once revealed how his father taught him the skill. This American tennis prodigy also talked about his mother Sondra Michelsen, who played for the state of San Diego. Interestingly, it was his mother who introduced Michelsen to the sport.

Michelsen said, “My parents had contrasting game styles… My mom would stay at the baseline and make every ball. I took that from her. My dad likes to serve and volley, come to the net and be more creative, so I took that from him. I feel like I’ve combined those two very well.”

Alex Michelsen’s rapid rise following his victory at the Australian Open’s second round might make him one of the true rising stars of tennis.

Read more: American Teenager Alex Michelsen Masters a Ridiculous Triple Tweener Feat to Stun His Opponent at an ATP Challenger Event