Southern California is bringing the heat to the 2025 Davis Cup, as two of its own—Alex Michelsen (Aliso Viejo) and Marcos Giron (Thousand Oaks)—step onto the world stage to represent Team USA! The electric duo is set to make their Davis Cup debuts this weekend, adding a fresh burst of SoCal energy to a squad led by none other than legendary captain Bob Bryan (Camarillo). With a legacy of champions behind them, these Southern California stars are ready to light up Taipei City and chase history.

A DREAM CALL FROM A SOCAL ICON

As he wrapped up a rigorous offseason workout, 20-year-old Michelsen got an unexpected yet exhilarating call of a lifetime from Bob Bryan, the United States Davis Cup captain and doubles legend, who alongside brother Mike, help put American tennis on the map. Bryan, now in his third year leading the team, had been keeping a close eye on Michelsen since his breakout performance at the 2023 Newport final and saw in him the grit and fire worthy of Team USA, bringing him on board for the 2025 Davis Cup opener.

“I was so pumped. It was an immediate yes from me,” said Michelsen, who quickly called his parents to share the news. “I love America and I’m pumped to play for my country… There’s no higher honor.”

Michelsen’s call-up to the squad comes at a perfect time, following his impressive run to the fourth round at the Australian Open. The SoCal native upset Top-20 players Stefanos Tsitsipas and Karen Khachanov, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His experience facing home favorites in Melbourne will serve him well as he prepares for his first Davis Cup tie, which will be played in a raucous away atmosphere against Chinese Taipei.

A LONG-AWAITED DEBUT FOR GIRON

Joining Michelsen in making his U.S. Davis Cup debut is fellow Southern Californian Marcos Giron (Thousand Oaks). The 30-year-old former UCLA star has long been one of the most consistent Americans on tour, and he’s now getting his first shot at representing his country on the Davis Cup stage. 

“I’m really excited to be here. I’m really enjoying being here in town. I know I’ve watched Mike and Bob [Bryan] win Davis Cup back in 2007 in Portland, I was there. And so for me to play for him as the captain, I’m honored. I was probably 13. So really for me it’s special,” exclaimed Marcos Giron when asked about his expectation for his first Davis Cup tie. 

Giron’s passion for Davis Cup and his Southern California roots run deep, and he’s bringing that energy to the court. “I’m excited, but of course I’m going to try to play my best every point and have good energy, and hopefully can get it done for the states.” 

THE SOCAL CONNECTION RUNS DEEP

Michelsen and Giron aren’t the only SoCal players making waves in this Davis Cup squad. Veteran Mackenzie McDonald, Giron’s former UCLA teammate, adds even more West Coast flair to the roster. Meanwhile, the doubles lineup features two of the world’s best—Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram—who bring championship experience and a history of delivering in big moments.

At the heart of it all is Captain Bob Bryan, a SoCal icon who has made it his mission to return the U.S. to Davis Cup glory. A firm believer in a team-first mentality, Bryan has praised Michelsen’s work ethic and energy throughout the team’s preparations. Upon arriving in Taipei City, he found Michelsen grinding in the hotel gym—an early sign of his dedication and commitment to the team.

“I’m super happy to play for a team,” Michelsen said. “I like to think I’m a decent team player and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve already had a blast with all the guys here. I could do this every week of the year, honestly.”

Bryan, alongside his brother and coach Mike Bryan, first connected with Michelsen at the 2023 US Open, where the young American was admittedly starstruck. Since then, the Bryans have kept in touch with Michelsen, offering guidance and support. Now, they’ll get to lead him on his Davis Cup journey.

“They gave me a couple of volley tips, so I guess I’ll take that,” Michelsen joked.

Bryan is also leaning on the experience of doubles veterans Krajicek and Ram, who have carried the U.S. in recent Davis Cup ties. The duo, fresh off an Olympic silver medal in Paris and a strong showing at the US Open, will play a crucial role in this weekend’s tie. 

“It’s nice to have two former No. 1 doubles players that have played Davis Cup so many times and that are the elder statesmen of the team,” Bryan said. “We have the young blood and the rookies that are excited, but we also have guys that are real leaders and have been there before.”

A BATTLE AWAITS IN TAIPEI CITY

Michelsen and Giron will kick off the USA’s quest for a record-extending 33rd Davis Cup title on Friday in Taipei City. The tie against Chinese Taipei is one of 13 Qualifiers being played worldwide, with the first two singles matches set for Friday and the doubles match and two reverse singles following on Saturday.

“I think they’re going to be a tough team,” Michelsen said of the Chinese Taipei squad. “Playing at home, they’ve got absolutely nothing to lose against us, so I think they’re going to go out there and play confident and play big. We’re going to have to hold our ground. If we do that and we play some solid ball, I think we’ll get it done.”

A win in this tie would set up a second-round matchup in September against either Korea or Czechia, with a spot in the Davis Cup Final 8 on the line. The new format replaces the traditional group stage, meaning every match in this Qualifying campaign carries extra weight.

Bryan, for his part, has a clear vision for the team’s future. “We’re very motivated to try to get out of Chinese Taipei with a win so that we can hopefully get a home tie in September and reward our fans back home with some Davis Cup action, which we haven’t had for years. That’s a big motivation for me.”

With youthful energy, veteran leadership, and a heavy dose of Southern California pride, this U.S. squad is primed for battle. Michelsen and Giron are stepping into the Davis Cup spotlight for the first time, ready to embrace the challenge and represent their home state on the world stage.

As they take the court in Taipei City, one thing is certain—SoCal tennis is making its mark, and this is just the beginning.

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For more on the competition, visit the USTA’s Davis Cup homepage.

USA vs. Chinese Taipei

TV: Tennis Channel

*Chinese Taipei is +13 hours from Eastern Time; Start dates/times listed below are in ET/PST

Thursday, January 30 (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PST)

Marcos Giron (USA) v. Chun Hsin Tseng (TPE)

Alex Michelsen (USA) v. Tung-Lin Wu (TPE)

Friday, January 31 (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PST)

Austin Krajicek/Rajeev Ram (USA) v. Ray Ho/Yu Hsiou Hsu (TPE)

Michelsen (USA) v. Tseng (TPE)

Giron (USA) v. Wu (TPE)