US teen Michelsen reaches Newport ATP semifinals

American Alex Michelsen continued his breakthrough run at the ATP grass court tournament in Newport, Rhode Island, on Friday, downing Mackenzie McDonald to reach his first tour-level semifinal.

The 18-year-old Californian, who beat defending champion Maxime Cressy earlier this week, beat McDonald 6-3, 6-3 to line up a final-four clash with veteran John Isner.

Michelsen, ranked 190th in the world, dominated on serve in the opening set and closed out the match in one hour and 11 minutes.

The dream run continues for Alex Michelsen who fends of Mcdonald 6-3 6-3 to move into his maiden ATP semi-final! ?? @TennisHalloFame | #InfosysHallofFameOpen pic.twitter.com/icWPlOKuTx

— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 21, 2023

"I served really well, first-serve per centage was probably pretty high," Michelsen said. "The serve was key today and I didn't miss too many groundstrokes either, so that was nice."

Isner, a four-time Newport winner, overcame a slow start to beat 14th-ranked Tommy Paul, the top seed, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).

ISNER SURVIVES IN NEWPORT ??@JohnIsner outlasts Paul 4-6 6-3 7-6(4) in a Center Court thriller!@TennisHalloFame | #InfosysHallofFameOpen pic.twitter.com/UJbzIekACY

— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 21, 2023

At 38, he'll be giving up 20 years to his semifinal opponent, who has committed to playing for the University of Georgia – where Isner graduated in 2007.

The other semifinal was set on Thursday, when second-seeded Adrian Mannarino beat Australian Jordan Thompson to set up an all-French clash with Ugo Humbert, a straight-sets winner over South African Kevin Anderson.