ATP youngster inspired by ‘lots of family success’ at Australian Open

Sebastian Korda is looking to his former tennis pro father and two golf pro sisters for inspiration at the Australian Open this year. 

Korda’s father Petr is a former world number two tennis player who claimed the 1998 Australian Open as his maiden and only Major title.

In addition, Sebastian’s older sisters Nelly and Jessica have both won golf titles in Australia on the LPGA tour.

“There’s a lot of kind of history in the family here in Australia,” Korda told the Australian Open.

“My dad winning here and then both my sisters winning the [Women’s] Australian Open golf tournament.

“So it’s a lot of success here in Australia and I’m super happy to be here.”

Furthermore, Sebastian has himself triumphed in Australia, becoming junior Australian Open champion back in 2018, 20 years after his father won the men’s event.

Just before the 2021 Australian Open, Sebastian was ranked 88th in the world, high enough to qualify outright for the event, but opted not to play.

Now ranked 42nd and making his debut in the men’s event this year, Korda drew a tough opening round against 12th seed Cameron Norrie.

However, the 20-year-old made short work of the Brit, blasting him off the court for the loss of just seven games, 6-3, 6-0, 6-4.

The American was not certain to play the Melbourne Slam after testing positive for covid on arrival into the country earlier this month and being forced to withdraw from two warm-up events ahead of the Major.

Now, he will face maverick Frenchman Corentin Moutet for a place in the third round.

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