Korda Hoping To 'Make More Good Memories' At Australian Open After Retiring Hurt In 2023
ATP
Sebastian Korda is set to return to Melbourne Park, precisely a full year since he exited the tournament with mixed emotions due to a wrist injury.
Korda's lifelong dream has been to win two Grand Slams, as that would give him bragging rights in his family. He is still pursuing that goal and has emerged as a consistent force on the ATP Tour. Having been ranked as high as No. 23, it won't be long before he contends for major titles.
Sebastian's father, Petr Korda, won one Grand Slam title while playing at the 1998 Australian Open. Sports runs through the Korda family, with sisters Nelly and Jessica being professional golfers and champions of the Australian Open golf tournament.
Ahead of the 2024 Australian Open tennis tournament, 23-year-old Sebastian Korda sat down for an interview with Tennis Majors, where he spoke of his ambition to excel Down Under in keeping up with one of the fondest countries for his family.
"As a family, we love Australia. My dad (Petr Korda) won in Melbourne in 1998, and both of my sisters (Nelly and Jessica) won the Australian Open in golf. We have a lot of history here, people always treat us great and we always have a wonderful time here."
"We’re super comfortable playing here and I look forward to Australia every year – hopefully I will make some more good memories along the way."
Korda started the new season with a shock defeat in the first round of Brisbane but bounced back at his next tournament in Adelaide, where he scored the first two wins of the new campaign to make the semifinals. There, he lost to eventual champion Jiri Lehecka in straight sets.
The lanky American then delved into the influence of his coach, Radek Stepanek, a former pro from the Czech Republic - the same country of Korda's heritage - and who was ranked in the world's Top 10 in both singles and doubles.
"A lot of energy! He coaches the same way he played, with a lot of energy and positivity. He has known me since I was born and we work pretty well together – there is great chemistry and hopefully we will make some good results together."
Korda has also lauded the immeasurable wisdom offered by former World No. 1 Andre Agassi, whom he refers to as a "special person" in his professional career and private life, although he refrained from sharing the advice he has received from the 53-year-old.
" I will keep those gems a secret, but yes, we do spend a lot of time together. I talk to him quite a bit. Andre is a very, very special person in my life – he helps me with every aspect of my tennis, and everyday life as well, because he helps me grow as a person."
