Alex Michelsen, the North American player, found himself playing against a partisan crowd. He says this context brings out the best in his tennis during tough moments.
Michelsen’s On-Court Reaction
“I like when people want me to lose,” Michelsen said. He made this comment to reporters in Miami.
Michelsen defeated Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the third round of the Miami Open. “I just had to hit the silencer, unfortunately,” the 21-year-old said on Tuesday. Michelsen then celebrated by shushing Chilean fans, placing his index finger on his lips, which triggered boos from spectators on Court 1 in Miami Gardens.
“It was a great atmosphere. I love it. I love how patriotic the Chileans are for their own. I think it’s amazing. But a couple of people were being disrespectful throughout the match,” Michelsen said.
Embracing the Hostile Atmosphere
Michelsen insisted that his best level appears when the crowd is against him. “I love when people cheer against me, so it was a lot of fun. Whether I win or lose, I’d say the same thing I always have. It definitely helped me a lot today.”
In Miami, the “visitor” often receives more support in the stands when a Latin American player faces a local on the secondary courts.
Miami’s Unique Atmosphere
“It’s part of what makes this tournament great. It’s the city. There are a ton of South Americans around here, and I think the atmosphere for them has been amazing. I played Nicolás Jarry at the US Open and got a taste of it, so I kind of knew it was coming today. I thought I was very well prepared for it, and I handled it very well,” he said.