#EstorilOpen - Alex Michelsen Makes History in Estoril
- Romy Kraus
- May 4
- 3 min read
The 20-year-old Californian dominates the clay and becomes the youngest champion ever at Portugal’s ATP stop
At just 20, Alex Michelsen landed on the Portuguese coast with something to prove—and left as the new champion of the 2025 Millennium Estoril Open. The Californian conquered not only his first clay-court title but also the hearts of local fans. In a rain-hampered tournament that tested patience and resolve, Michelsen became the first American to win Portugal’s only ATP event, bagging 175 ranking points and €34,900 in prize money. Doubles duo Ariel Behar (Uruguay) and Joran Vliegen (Belgium) also delivered, winning the men’s doubles title with cool execution. This 10th edition was a celebration of youth, resilience, and grit—already confirmed to return in 2026, upgraded to ATP 250 status.
The Lowdown
Alex Michelsen wins his first clay title and becomes Estoril’s youngest champion ever
Bags 175 ATP points and €34,900, reaching world No. 32
First American to win the Millennium Estoril Open
Behar and Vliegen win the doubles final 7-5, 6-3
Tournament to return in 2026 as an ATP 250 event
Rain delays stretched the finals into midnight; court crew earned MVP status
"I Beat Four Italians—Hope They Let Me Into Rome"
Michelsen’s clay breakthrough comes with a side of humor and dominance
After an early exit in Madrid, Michelsen arrived in Estoril early, trained hard, and it showed. He took out four Italians on his way to the title—his first ATP semifinal, final, and win on clay. The result also tied his career-best ranking at No. 32.
"I beat four Italians and hope they let me play in Italy... flying to Rome tonight" – Alex Michelsen
"The food and people here are amazing—I hope to come back soon" – Alex Michelsen
"Tournament Locked In for Two More Years"
Estoril’s return in 2026 is official—this time as a full ATP 250
Although downgraded to a Challenger 175 this year, Estoril will bounce back stronger. Cascais mayor Carlos Carreiras confirmed the event will be held again at the Estoril Tennis Club from July 18–26, 2026, now as an ATP 250. Fans can expect more elite clay-court showdowns under the sun.
"The tournament is guaranteed for two more years at Estoril Tennis Club" – Carlos Carreiras
"A Real Test of Willpower"
Finals went late, but the court crew made it happen
Rain forced matches to be suspended Saturday at 5 p.m., only to resume after 9 p.m. and wrap up past midnight. Tournament Director João Zilhão praised the court team for pulling off the impossible under pressure.
"The court crew killed themselves to make the final happen today" – João Zilhão
"Portugal’s Best Tennis Player Right Now"
Nuno Borges earns spotlight amid star-studded ceremony
Millennium BCP exec João Nuno Palma saluted the drive of the tournament’s athletes and made sure Portugal’s top talent, Nuno Borges, got his flowers. A high-energy ceremony also included leaders from the Portuguese Tennis Federation and Estoril Tennis Club.
"Overcoming obstacles, focus, and resilience define this event" – João Nuno Palma
"I Hope to Be Back Next Year"
Andrea Pellegrino’s runner-up finish is a comeback in motion
Italy’s Andrea Pellegrino may not have won, but his Estoril run netted him €20,590 and a jump to world No. 166. After a tough few months, he leaves Portugal with new confidence.
"I really enjoyed this week at such an amazing tournament. Thanks to everyone who supported me" – Andrea Pellegrino
Doubles Royalty: Behar & Vliegen Deliver
Top seeds prove their worth in straight-set win
Ariel Behar and Joran Vliegen stayed calm and clinical in the doubles final against Francisco Cabral and Lucas Miedler. Key breaks late in the first set and early in the second sealed the deal in just 75 minutes.
"We knew we had to capitalize on chances" – Ariel Behar"We played with our heads and our hearts" – Joran Vliegen
