As some of tennis’ next generation bid to make a breakthrough at the highest level, Sebastian Korda has certainly done his chances no harm.
The 22-year-old claimed arguably the biggest win of his career to date at the Australian Open, defeating last year’s finalist Daniil Medvedev in the third round. The American produced some of his finest tennis to beat the 2021 US Open champion 7-6(7) 6-3 7-6(4).
The world number 31 equalled his best ever performance at a Grand Slam and the desire to emulate his father Petr’s run to the title in 1998 burns bright. "It was an unbelievable match,” said Korda in his on-court interview. “I kind of knew what I had to do. I stuck with it even when I was going up and down with the emotions, but I’m thrilled right now. I played amazing, and it was an unbelievable match from me.”
Korda comes from a family with a rich history in sport. As mentioned previously, his father Petr, was a tennis player who captured the Australian Open title 25 years ago. The 54-year-old enjoyed more success at Melbourne Park two years prior, winning the doubles title alongside six-time major winner Stefan Edberg. The Czech star reached a career high ranking of number two and won a total of 10 singles throughout his career.
His mother Regina Rajchrtova also played professional tennis and reached a career high ranking of world No. 26. Korda’s two sisters are golf players currently on the women’s PGA Tour.
Jessica, 29, claimed the Women’s Australian Open in 2012, while Nelly, 24, clinched the Women’s PGA Championship in 2021 and has been world number one on two separate occasions.
Reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam may not be seen as that big of a success in the Korda household due to their outstanding sporting achievements – something Sebastian is aware of as he made a light-hearted joke inside the Rod Laver Arena after his shock win.
“I love playing in Australia, as does my family. My dad won the Australian Open 25 years ago, and my sister won the Australian Open in women’s golf!” said Korda, who won the boys title in Melbourne in 2018.
“I don’t know what I’m going to be ranked [after victory], but my mum’s career high was 26, my dad was two, my sister Nelly was No. 1, my elder sister Jessica was six... so I’m definitely the worst athlete in the family so far!”
The last comment was refuted by sister Nelly, who said while at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions: "It's complete BS. He's the best. Honestly, he's the best. His hand-eye coordination is unbelievable. He skates really nicely, plays golf nicely, plays tennis beautifully. He's full of s**t. Excuse my French."
Jokes aside, she was delighted with her brother’s victory and wished him all the best for the rest of his campaign, which resumes in the fourth round against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz tomorrow. "Yeah, I saw him -- actually, I saw him win in dining, so that was cool. I did actually wake up 30 minutes before my alarm to watch him play just naturally knowing that he was playing.
"Honestly, he's put in a bunch of work. He has an amazing support system behind him, and it's really cool and special to see him do what he's doing. Hopefully he can continue making this run. But from an outside point of view, it's really special seeing him achieve all this, and I couldn't be happier for him." Coming from a successful sporting family has its perks, as Korda revealed Andre Aggasi is a mentor of his.
“I talk to Andre Agassi a lot, he’s like a mentor to me. He’s a big part of my team,” the youngster stated. Back in April 2021, Korda spoke about the pressures and expectations that come with the family name, but suggests that they do not seem to phase him.
“I love answering questions about my family," Korda told ITFWorld. “My dad achieved something that everyone who picks up a racket dreams about. My parents dedicated their lives to us. And without them, we wouldn’t have the opportunities we have and definitely wouldn’t have the success we have today as a family.”
