Alex Michelsen wrapped up his run at the European Open with a unique accommodation arrangement and a heavy dose of perspective on his season, as dhnet.be reported that the 22-year-old American spent the tournament staying just ten minutes away from the stadium at the home of Kristof Vliegen.
Life Outside the Draw at the European Open
“I went to see the fountain with the little boy who pees,” Michelsen said with a smile, referring to the famous Manneken Pis statue. He also shared his culinary plans for the weekend, noting he was “impatient” to finally enjoy a traditional Belgian waffle now that his tournament commitments had concluded.
A Year of Growth Against Top-Ten Opposition
Reflecting on his broader campaign, Michelsen pointed to his breakout summer performance at the US Open, where he reached his first career Grand Slam quarterfinal on home soil. “I think this year marked a turning point in my career, even though I should have reached the last four,” Michelsen explained. “This year, I’m losing against a lot of top-10 players, which is a good thing. It means I’m accumulating experience and, one day, I’ll end up turning the tide.”
Collaboration with Kristof Vliegen
The partnership between Michelsen and Vliegen has now crossed the one-year mark. Beyond opening up his home during tournament weeks, Vliegen has integrated the player into his local training club, providing a stable base far away from Michelsen’s home country. “He’s an excellent coach,” Michelsen said. “In addition to sleeping at his place, I was also able to train in his club, which allowed me to feel more at home because I’m quite far from home anyway. He helps me on the court, but also off it, in all sorts of areas that don’t just concern tennis.”
Worth a look
