In a thrilling quarter-final match at the Delray Beach Open in Florida, Alex Michelsen secured a narrow victory over British number two, Cameron Norrie, with a scoreline of 7-6, 7-5. The match, which lasted one hour and 39 minutes, saw both players deliver a high level of tennis, but it was Michelsen who ultimately prevailed, booking his place in the semi-finals.

Tight First Set

The first set was a closely contested battle, with neither player managing to earn a break point. The set eventually went to a tie-break, where Michelsen, the third seed, held his nerve to take the early lead.

Decisive Second Set

The second set was equally intense, with both players pushing each other to the limit. The pivotal moment came in the ninth game when Michelsen, ranked 37th in the world, saved three set points and then won five consecutive points to level the set at 5-5. Norrie, the 2022 champion of this tournament, faced a stroke of bad luck in the next game when a Michelsen forehand clipped the net cord and landed just on Norrie's side of the court, resulting in a crucial break.

Closing Moments

Michelsen confidently served out the match, demonstrating his composure under pressure. This victory sets up an exciting semi-final clash against Serbian seventh seed, Miomir Kecmanovic.

Post-Match Analysis

Norrie, unseeded in this tournament and currently ranked 61st in the world, will undoubtedly be disappointed with the loss. However, his performance was commendable, especially considering his recent form. Michelsen, on the other hand, continued to build on his recent success, showcasing his growing prowess on the ATP Tour.

Looking Ahead

As the Delray Beach Open progresses, all eyes will be on Michelsen as he aims to reach the final and possibly claim his first ATP title. Meanwhile, Norrie will look to regroup and focus on upcoming tournaments to climb back up the rankings.