Sebastian Korda says he is “the worst athlete” in his high-achieving sporting family, but with a little help from tennis legend Andre Agassi the rising American is working hard to change the dynamic.
The 22-year-old on Friday stunned two-time losing finalist and seventh seed Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open, weeks after pushing Novak Djokovic to the limit in the Adelaide International final.
Known as Sebi, his composed performances reflect what has been evident for some time — he is on the rise, and with plenty to live up to in the Korda family.
Photo: AFP
His father, Petr, is a former world No. 2 who won the Australian Open in 1998, while his mother, Regina Rajchrtova, was a Czech player who rose to No. 26 in the world.
His older sisters are equally prodigious, with Nelly an eight-time winner on the LPGA Tour, world No. 2 and an Olympic champion.
Jessica also opted for golf rather than tennis and she also excelled, winning six titles so far.
“I don’t know what I’m going to be ranked [after his victory], but my mum’s career high was 26, my dad was two, my sister Nelly was No. 1, my eldest sister Jessica was six,” said Korda, currently ranked No. 31. “So I’m definitely the worst athlete in the family so far.”
Nelly, at least, does not believe it for a minute, telling broadcaster the Golf Channel at the Tournament of Champions in Florida on Friday: “Honestly, he’s the best.”
“His hand-eye coordination is unbelievable. His swing — I’m jealous of his swing actually. It’s crazy. He’s a lefty. He’s a natural righty, but he plays golf lefty,” she said. “He played hockey lefty. I mean, he grew up playing hockey. He was pretty good at it, too. He skates really nicely, plays golf nicely, plays tennis beautifully.”
Djokovic noted his talents in Adelaide earlier this month after fending off a championship point to defeat him in the final, with the 92-time title winner saying he played “beautiful-looking tennis.”
Medvedev, who is set to drop to No. 12 in the rankings after his defeat, is another admirer, comparing his game to the Serbian superstar’s.
“The most difficult thing is that he hits the ball very strong. Probably one of the strongest hitters,” the Russian said. “His game is kind of different from everybody because he’s very aggressive and takes the ball very early. A little bit maybe like Novak.”
Korda, a junior champion at Melbourne Park, next faces Polish 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz today for a place in the quarter-finals.
His steady rise through the rankings and his run to the fourth round can partly be attributed to eight-time Grand Slam winner Agassi, who has been acting as a mentor.
“He’s one of the most special people in my life,” said Korda of the Las Vegas-based star, who stayed up until 5am to watch him beat Medvedev. “We started talking during COVID in 2020. He’s been one of the biggest parts in my rise. Just overall, just as a tennis player, as a human being. We spend a lot of time together. Yeah, he’s very special to me.”
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