On Instagram, Alex Michelsen announces intentions to turn pro

WATCH: Last month, Alex Michelsen reached his first ATP final in his second-ever main draw in Newport.

Alex Michelsen will be rooting on the University of Georgia Bulldogs from the ATP Tour. The 18-year-old American announced Monday that he will forgo his commitment to Georgia's men's tennis team in favor of playing on the tour.

"After much consideration and talking with my family, coaches and people closest to me, I have decided to forgo my college eligibility and become a full-time professional tennis player," Michelsen said in a statement. "This was not an easy decision to make, especially because of the incredible opportunity that awaited me at the University of Georgia."

Michelsen, a California native, turned heads last month with a run to the final of the Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport, R.I., in his second-ever ATP main draw. Along the way, he dethroned defending champion Maxime Cressy, and also beat James Duckworth, Mackenzie McDonald and John Isner before losing to Adrian Mannarino.

Prior to Newport, he won his first ATP Challenger title in Chicago, Ill., one of six finals he's made at Futures and Challenger level this year.

Michelsen, the 2022 Wimbledon junior doubles champion, started the 2023 season outside the Top 500, and is currently ranked a career-high No. 134.

"I look forward to the journey to come," Michelsen added.

Georgia head coach Manny Diaz also released a statement after Michelsen's announcement, calling a pro career "too great of an opportunity" for Michelsen to pass up.

"He has put himself in a phenomenal position, especially over the last few months," Diaz said. "We will continue to cheer him on as he takes these next steps in his career."

Michelsen follows in the footsteps of Ethan Quinn, the 2023 NCAA champion, in making his announcement; Quinn spent two years on campus in Athens and won the national title this spring as a redshirt freshman before announcing his decision to turn pro.