New York will be buzzing in the coming weeks, as the US Open rolls back into town.
It marks the final Grand Slam of the year, and thus for players, their last chance to claim one of tennis’ four ultimate prizes before the new season begins.
Meanwhile, for the home support, there is always fresh anticipation over which of their US superstars can spearhead hopes of a title charge.
Naturally, people will look to the likes of Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Madison Keys.
However, there is another unseeded alternative who could be a real dark horse at the US Open this year.
Sebastian Korda is back in form ahead of the US Open
There is a reason why this particular star is unseeded though, having suffered from a long-term injury which has actually kept him out since May.
Sebastian Korda’s most recent match came at the French Open, where he was beaten in straight sets against his compatriot Frances Tiafoe.
It was then revealed that he would miss all of the grass-court season after suffering a stress fracture in his right shin.
Naturally, he dropped off the map.
That was until he announced his comeback would occur in the week leading up to the US Open, as he entered the Winston-Salem Open.
That decision has been a revelation.
Already, he has stormed into the semi-finals, having got vital minutes on court as well as crucial wins in the tank.
He may have been absent for three months, but Korda is seemingly back and ready to cause problems at his home Grand Slam.
Sebastian Korda defied predictions at the Australian Open earlier this year
However, Korda has flattered to deceive before, enjoying a similar comeback arc ahead of the Australian Open earlier this year.
After all, 2024 was also an injury-hit year for the 25-year-old, but when he started 2025 in blistering form, many started tipping him for success in Melbourne.
He reached the final in Adelaide, where he was narrowly beaten by Felix Auger-Aliassime.
However, he then exited in just the second round of the Australian Open.
It’s such a shame to see his form and fitness regularly fail him, particularly given the prediction John McEnroe made about Korda back in 2023.
Hopefully, the same does not occur in his home country, where he will be an unseeded threat who could fly under the radar.
