CNN
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Sebastian Korda might have overwhelmed among the greatest gamers on the planet in his maiden Australian Open quarter-final, however the 22-year-old nonetheless says he’s the “worst athlete” in his household.
The truth is, coming from a household filled with champions in two totally different sports activities, the younger American has among the hardest competitors.
Each his mother and father are former tennis gamers. His father, Petr, received the Australian Open in 1998, whereas his mom, Regina Rajchertova, achieved a career-high rating of 26.
Her sisters, Jessica and Nellie, are each skilled golfers – and superb at it.
Jessica has received six LPGA occasions in her profession, whereas Nellie has received the Ladies’s PGA Championship in 2021.
Talking after defeating two-time finalist Daniil Medvedev in straight units within the third spherical on Friday, Korda supplied a slice of self-deprecation.
“I do not know what I will rank,” he stated in his post-match interview on the courtroom.
“However my mom had a profession of 26 years, my father had two, my sister Nellie was No. 1, my older sister Jessica was six, so I am positively the worst athlete ever within the household!”
Korda, who’s at present world No. 31, is more likely to transfer up the rankings after a stellar efficiency in Melbourne.
After defeating two-time Australian Open finalist Medvedev on Friday, he pulled off a tricky win over Poland’s Hubert Hercz to achieve the quarter-final stage for the primary time in his profession.
He wanted 5 units to defeat Hurkacz, nonetheless, in an exciting, last-set tiebreak wherein he relied on some superstition.
“The towel bought me by it,” he laughed. “Each time I went to the towel, I used to be profitable the purpose, so I simply stored going to it. my new good friend.”
Korda is a part of a brand new technology of American tennis gamers who’re starting to make an affect on the game’s greatest phases.
Nevertheless, Korda’s run in Australia got here to an unlucky finish on Tuesday, when he was pressured to retire from his quarterfinal match in opposition to Karen Khachanov because of a wrist damage.
Korda was trailing 7-6 6-Three 3-Zero when he was pressured to retire.
Korda is a former junior champion on the Australian Open and received his first and to date solely ATP title two years in the past.
He got here one level away from defeating Novak Djokovic on eight January on the Adelaide Worldwide, demonstrating his means to make the very best of it.
“The American gamers have pushed one another and helped one another imagine they’ll compete near that degree,” stated former participant turned broadcaster John McEnroe in a current interview with Eurosport. stated when discussing the potential winners in Melbourne this 12 months.
“If I had to decide on one, I might in all probability select Sebastian Korda; He’s the youngest of that present high group of Individuals and probably the most the wrong way up in the meanwhile.
Along with his gifted household, Korda also can rely on the help of mentor Andre Agassi.
The eight-time Grand Slam champion has been serving to his younger compatriot for the previous two years, throughout which he has grow to be one of the crucial thrilling prospects on the tour.
Korda stated Agassi had stayed up all evening within the US to observe his video games in Melbourne and that he was grateful for the help.
“He is without doubt one of the most particular individuals in my life. We began speaking in 2020 throughout Covid. He has been one of many greatest components of my rise,” Korda stated, in keeping with the ATP.
“Total, as a tennis participant, as a human being. we spend lots of time collectively. Sure, she could be very particular to me.
Korda will face Russia’s Karen Khachanov within the quarterfinals on Tuesday, and little question your entire household shall be watching.
Nevertheless, his sister Nellie has no time for her youthful brother’s capriciousness.
“It is full BS,” she instructed reporters on the LPGA Hilton Grand Holidays Event of Champions on Saturday when requested about her brother’s claims of being the worst within the household.
“Actually, he is the very best. His hand-eye coordination is unimaginable. His swing — I am actually jealous of his swing.
“It is loopy. He is a lefty. He is a pure righty, however he performs golf lefty. He performed hockey lefty. I imply, he grew up taking part in hockey — he was fairly good at it, too.
“He skates very well, performs golf nicely, performs tennis superbly.”
Whereas it stays to be seen how he performs in Melbourne, Korda has all of the makings of the subsequent nice American star.