Sebastian Korda admits he is ‘worst athlete in the family’ despite Daniil Medvedev win at Australian Open

Sebastian Korda joked he was “definitely the worst athlete in the family” just moments after stunning former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in straight sets at the 2023 Australian Open on Friday.

But he confessed he still has much more to achieve before his exploits truly register in the Korda family. His parents are both former tennis players – his father Petr won the 1998 Australian Open while his mother, Regina Rajchrtova, reached a career high ranking of world No. 26.

Korda’s two sisters are golf stars on the women’s PGA Tour. Jessica Korda won the Women’s Australian Open in 2012, while Nelly Korda clinched the Women’s PGA Championship in 2021.

It means that reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam may not have the same impact in the Korda household as it would elsewhere – something the 22-year-old is fully aware of as he humoured the crowd in Rod Laver Arena after his shock win.

“I love playing in Australia, as does my family. My dad won the Australian Open 25 years ago, and my sister won the Australian Open in women’s golf!” said Korda, who won the boys title in Melbourne in 2018.

“I don’t know what I’m going to be ranked [after victory], but my mum’s career high was 26, my dad was two, my sister Nelly was No. 1, my elder sister Jessica was six… so I’m definitely the worst athlete in the family so far!”

Aside from healthy competition, there are other perks from being part of a sporting power family.

“I talk to Andre Agassi a lot, he’s like a mentor to me. He’s a big part of my team,” Korda revealed.

Medvedev arrived as one of the favourites for the title despite slipping down the rankings to world No. 8, but was second best as Korda came through one minute shy of three hours.

“It was an unbelievable match. I knew what I had to do and stuck with it, with emotions going up and down,” Korda added.

“I’m thrilled with it. An unbelievable match for me. My game plan was just to go for it!”

‘A complete performance’ – Henman

Eurosport expert Tim Henman was particularly impressed with how Korda shrugged off adversity to progress in style.

Korda had a break in the third set but surrendered it at 4-3 with a sloppy service game and needed five match points to get over the line in the tie-break.

“A complete performance by Korda,” said Henman.

“He started off so well using variation, being aggressive from the back but using the short slice to bring Medvedev forward. He had the variation on serve, and wasn’t scared to use the serve and volley.

“If anything, his game got better and better. One slight wobble at the end of the final set, up 4-3 40-15. He made a couple of mistakes, but the way that he finished it off, it’s a huge moment in his career to have this type of win on such a big stage.”

Korda advances to the last 16 where he will face Hubert Hurkacz.

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