Getting himself back into a match day rhythm paid off two days later. On Wednesday, Michelsen made a winning debut inside the Almaty Arena, defeating local hopeful Beibit Zhukayev, 6-2, 6-3, to snap a five-match losing streak in singles dating back to the Cincinnati Open.
“Definitely a tough go lately in singles, so super happy to end that little streak I was on. The altitude here, I feel like it’s helpful for my game. Shots are penetrating a little more,” assesses Michelsen. “Beibit’s got a massive serve, so I knew going in that he was gonna hold serve well. I think he might have hurt himself. I saw he had a lot of tape and his back was taped up.
“I played super well at the baseline for the first time in a long time. A lot of positives going forward.”
The world No. 36 evened his career indoor record to 10-10. When asked, Michelsen agrees it’s a playing environment he should be generating more success from given his game. “I’ve definitely underachieved indoors,” he states before expressing that he “absolutely loves” playing under a roof. Against Zhukayev, his intent to finish at the net where possible was clear throughout their encounter.
“The balls die like they do everywhere nowadays, but when they’re not super dead, I think it’s a little easier to be offensive. Especially in the altitude, the balls are flying a little more,” he says. “That’s one of the key components of my game and I can be on my front foot looking to come forward.”
