Sebastian Korda introduces new ritual as tribute to father and former Australian Open winner Petr Korda
Sebastian Korda showed off a new pre-match ritual at the Rod Laver Arena
Follow Us
Petr and Sebastian Korda
Rising star Sebastian Korda has revealed a new ritual he started following at the 2023 Australian Open. He spoke about it after being spotted tapping the pillar with his father Petr Korda’s name etched on it. Petr is the 1998 Australian Open champion and has been honored with a pillar due to that status.
Korda was seen tapping the pillar on his walk out to the court. As he explains, touching the pillar before the match holds sentimental value to Korda. “Every single time I walk by, I always give him like a little fist pump. Kind of makes me feel like they’re with me in a way,” Korda says.
“I always know that they’re watching. They’re both very special for me. Yeah, they helped me a ton. Maybe I was just trying to get the energy so I could hit my backhand a little better,” he says with a smile. The ritual certainly seemed to work in Korda’s favor. The young American went on to beat Daniil Medvedev in the third round of the Australian Open.
He played some fantastic tennis as he beat the Russian in straight sets. Korda was better in the finer margins. He edged out the first and third sets, winning tiebreaks in each. The 7-6(9),6-3,7-6(7) win is one of the biggest of Korda’s career so far. It saw him beat a favorite for the Australian Open. The win was a continuation of the extraordinary form Korda has been in. He earlier almost won the Adelaide International 1 against Novak Djokovic, losing in the final after getting to a championship point.
Sebastian Korda beats Hubert Hurkacz to advance to Australian Open quarters
Korda continued his dream run at the 2023 Australian Open. The 22-year-old beat tenth seed Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth round. He once again overcame a more favored opponent.
Korda won a five-set thriller in over three hours. He started the match on the back foot, losing the first set. Korda roared back and won the next two to put himself in the driving seat. But he was pushed back again as he lost 6-1 in the fourth set. Korda fought something inside him to match everything Hurkacz threw at him.
The two went all the way in a thrilling final set. Korda came out on top, winning the tiebreak to progress. He will now face Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
Incase you missed it:
Novak Djokovic hits back at critics over hamstring injury row at 2023 Australian Open
Stay Updated!
Samarth Srivastava
(139 Articles Published)