Alex Michelsen denies Valentin Vacherot at ‘home tournament’ Delray Beach | ATP tour | Tennis

Delray Beach

Michelsen denies Vacherot at ‘home tournament’ Delray Beach

Atmane and Wong also advance to ATP 250
February 16, 2026

Alex Michelsen marked his return to the Delray Beach Open on Monday with a composed performance, navigating gusty winds and testing an opponent to advance at the ATP 250 hard-court event.

The 21-year-old American defeated sixth seed Valentin Vacherot 7-6(4), 6-4 to earn his second victory over a Top 30 opponent this season and reach the second round in Delray Beach for the third year in a row. Michelsen, who reached the semi-finals last year, did not suffer a break point during the one hour and 28 minute match, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

Majestic Michelsen 🤸🪄

Last year’s semi-finalist is eliminated [6] Vacherot 7-6(4), 6-4#DBOpen | 🇺🇸 Delray Beach pic.twitter.com/UN60yGG1Hh

— ATP tour (@atptour) February 16, 2026

“I live here now. I have an apartment 20 minutes away, so it’s like my home tournament,” Michelsen said. “It’s great. I’m from California, but I moved here. I absolutely love it here. Everyone is so nice.”

After winning in his first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting with Vacherot, Michelsen can look ahead to a second round meeting with Sebastian Korda or Mackenzie McDonald.

In other action on Day 1 in Delray Beach, Terence Atmane earned his first ATP Tour victory since October with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 win over Patrick Kypson, while qualifier Coleman Wong upset Nuno Borges 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3 to advance.