Friends, Foes, and Fortnite: The Unique Michelsen Tien Rivalry Heats Up in Toronto
American tennis stars Alex Michelsen and Learner Tien bring their unique friendship-turned-rivalry from Fortnite to the ATP Masters 1000 stage in Toronto. Their upcoming clash marks a significant moment for two of the sport’s rising talents. On Thursday at the National Bank Open, presented by Rogers, the longtime friends discussed everything but tennis, showcasing a bond rarely seen between competitors.
The two young Americans, who cooled down from their respective matches simultaneously, are set to face each other on Saturday for a coveted spot in the Toronto quarterfinals. Their easy banter highlights a relationship that extends far beyond the court, underscoring the friendly foundation of their burgeoning professional rivalry.
More Than Just Tennis: A Friendship Forged in Gaming
Before their impending professional showdown, the conversation between Michelsen and Tien revolved around gaming laptops. One of the players shared a humorous exchange, recounting, “He’d just got off the doubles court when I was walking back to the gym. We talked. He’s been trying to get me to buy a gaming laptop, so we can play games on the road, because he has one. I asked him, ‘If you beat me, can you buy me a laptop?’ He’s not down for that!” This playful dynamic is a hallmark of their friendship, a bond that softens the intensity of their on-court clashes.
Their off-court rivalry is just as spirited, encompassing games like ping pong and the popular online shooter, Fortnite. Tien quipped that he is “better at Fortnite for sure,” challenging anyone to ask Michelsen for confirmation. When it comes to ping pong, the competition is more balanced. “Ping pong it depends on the location,” Tien explained, noting their annual US Open hotel stays often involve matches on a shared table. He revealed Michelsen has even started bringing his own paddle, indicating a serious commitment to their friendly contests.
A Growing Rivalry on the Professional Stage
Saturday’s match will be the pair’s third Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting, following a straight-sets victory for Michelsen on clay in Houston earlier this year. Their most high-profile encounter to date was in the semi-finals of last year’s Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, a match Tien ultimately won. Their history of competition stretches back to their junior careers, making this professional matchup feel like a natural progression.
Tien reflected on the journey, stating, “It’s very surreal, I think, especially from where we’ve come as juniors. This is going to be our third time playing [as pros] so it’s nothing super new, and we played a good bit in juniors.” Despite the competitive nature, a sense of mutual respect and admiration prevails. “But it’s really cool. It’s really cool to see him do well. I’m always rooting for him, except when we play. So I think it’s cool. We both love to go out there and compete, especially against each other. I think it adds another element, so I’m excited.”
Reshaping Their Teams for Continued Ascent
Michelsen, ranked No. 34, and Tien, at No. 61, are the two youngest Americans currently in the Top 100 of the PIF ATP Rankings, a testament to their rapid rise. Both “Jeddah alumni” have also recently made significant changes to their coaching teams, seeking to optimize their performance as they climb the ranks.
Michelsen has brought on veteran coach Craig Boynton, known for his recent work with Hubert Hurkacz. Boynton joins Robby Ginepri and strength and conditioning coach Rodney Marshall on Michelsen’s team. This adjustment came as Michelsen’s previous traveling coach, Jay Leavitt, stepped back due to family commitments. Michelsen explained the seamless fit, stating, “They both have a lot of experience. Robby was a very good player on Tour. ‘CB’ has coached God knows how many guys, a lot of Americans, so he knows the drill for coaching. They both know the drill and they get along very well.” He added, “The timing worked out: He was looking to come back to the Tour and I needed someone else to travel with and I found out that Robby and CB go back a long time and they’re really tight, so it just worked out.”
Following Wimbledon, Tien reunited with Erik Kortland, a key coach from his junior years whom he first met around age 10. Kortland’s deep understanding of Tien’s game allows him to pinpoint subtle areas for improvement. Tien reflected on their renewed collaboration, stating, “I worked with him for a long time, he was really big in my development. I worked with him for years.” He continued, “The relationship dynamic is a little different because I’m not a little kid running around anymore, but it’s been great. It’s not weird. Sometimes when you have a new coach, maybe it’s a little weird at first. But it’s not like that just because we’ve spent a lot of time on court together and it’s been working great so far. I’m really enjoying it.”
High Stakes on a Grand Stage
The stakes will be high on Saturday, as both Michelsen and Tien are vying for their maiden ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal appearance. This personal milestone adds another layer of intrigue to their already compelling rivalry.
Michelsen observed the significance of the upcoming match: “It’s really special. We’ve played on a big stage in the semis of Next Gen and we’re going to get to play Round of 16 match at a Masters 1000. It’ll be both of our first times in that match, so it’s going to be a lot of fun and one of us will get to the quarters. I know whoever loses will be happy for the winner.” Regardless of the outcome, the friends are prepared to embrace the moment as they compete on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
