Sebastian Korda was impressive on his game on Wednesday night against countryman Alex Michelsen.
A couple years ago, American Sebastian Korda was ranked 15th in the world. Then injuries. Lots and lots of injuries. He had elbow surgery, back spasms, and a stress fracture. His ranking sits at 50th in the world now, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that there are 49 players that are better than he is — because when he’s healthy, he absolutely has the chops to once again be a top 20 player.
On Wednesday evening in balmy but breezy conditions at the Delray Beach Open, Korda reminded the crowd just how good he is. Korda and Alex Michelsen put on a shot-making clinic that had the crowd gasping at times. Ryan Harrison, who has been hitting with his fellow American, was notably fired up. Delray Beach marks the third good tournament in a row for Korda.
At the risk of jinxing the poor guy, he just may be back. Since he burst onto the scene in 2020, he has shown plenty of potential. His game is creative and smart, and he has fantastic touch. The 25-year-old has historically had some vulnerabilities with his mentality. Notably, he had a 5-2 lead in the third set over Rafael Nadal at the 2022 Masters event in Indian Wells. Nadal went on to win the match in a third-set ‘breaker.
Still, I can’t help but wonder if the parade of injuries has given Korda a different perspective. It’s one thing to just play poorly — it’s something else entirely to be unable to play at all because your body has let you down. What he showed on Wednesday night is someone ready to embrace his potential. Korda has always been a natural shot-maker, but what he showed against Michelsen in this match was quiet confidence.
It’s the best I’ve seen him in years. Obviously there are no guarantees for professional athletes, but this might just be the year of the Korda.
“at the risk of jinxing”….
well, you jinxed him
Let’s see how he goes next time. Fingers crossed the injuries will stay away. If Cheryl jinxed him, maybe not for the whole year!
:side-eye emoji:
Careful, Ricky. If the weather changes your face might get stuck like that.
Cheryl did NOT jinx him. That was just fantastic tennis.
I think so too, Cheryl! Very good player. I was scratching my head earlier thinking did be lose a match I didn’t kniw about. You two probably had an inside joke. I think he might well have Cobolli for breakfast and make the final.
Well done Seb, no excuses he was so much the better player against Alcaraz
should have won in straights
Well done my crystal ball
:gives side eye:
welp
Alcaraz was never going to beat him .Crystal