Magazine cover stories are chosen for a variety of reasons, but did I get editor’s remorse for putting Korda front and center instead of Swiatek or Alcaraz? My answer is: we’ll see. For if Korda has yet to deliver in the manner that some of his fellow Clubbers have, his potential remains some of the most tantalizing.
Now 24, Korda has reached as high as 15th in the world, is a two-time ATP Masters 1000 semifinalist (2023 Shanghai, 2024 Montreal) and reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal less than two years ago, at the Australian Open. That career achievement was particularly special—it came 25 years after his father, Petr, took home the trophy in Melbourne.
But Sebi, as he’s often called, has often left fans wanting more. Despite his bona fides, refined strokes and athletic build, the 6’5” righty has won just two tour-level titles, and has only reached the fourth round of a major once after his 2020 Roland Garros breakthrough (ranked 213th, Korda won three qualifying and three main-draw matches). In the eyes of many critics, he’s a peg below American contemporaries who have either ensconced themselves in the Top 20 or consistently gone deep in Slams. Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton all feel a level above Korda, even if he resides just a few rungs below them at No. 22.
So when Korda and I sat down last year at Roland Garros, I asked him how he would assess his play in the three-odd years between “Thanks” and “You’re welcome.”
“Obviously a big positive. I’m doing what I love, and that’s the most important thing,” said Korda. “I’ve gone through some injuries, had some tough times, but at the end of the day it’s what you sign up for.
“I’m enjoying the ride, and hopefully I have a long journey in tennis. Keep on plugging.”
