Who is Sebastian Korda? The young American who beat Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open

Despite coming into the tournament as a seeded player, Sebastian Korda has flown relatively under the radar at the 2023 Australian Open.

That is until his stunning straight-sets defeat of last year’s finalist and world No. 8 Daniil Medvedev.

Now, Korda is the highest-ranked American still in contention at Melbourne Park as we enter the fourth round.

The Sporting News takes a closer look at Korda’s career so far.

Sebastian Korda age, rank and career titles

Korda has quietly made his way up the American and global tennis ranks, currently viewed as one of the most promising young players in tennis.

The 22-year-old made his professional debut in 2018, losing to fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe in straight sets as a wildcard at the New York Open.

He continued to chip away until his Grand Slam tournament debut in 2020, where he lost to Denis Shapovalov in the first round of the US Open.

A key achievement of his career came that same year when he reached the fourth round at the French Open despite being a qualifier. 

In 2021 Korda claimed his first ATP title, taking out the Emilia-Romagna Open and subsequently pushing into the top 40. 

He has not won any more ATP finals since then but currently sits at a ranking of world No. 31 at the time of writing.

His 2023 season got off to a strong start even before the Australian Open, reaching the final of the Adelaide International 1, where he took a set off Novak Djokovic in the decider.

How did Sebastian Korda beat Daniil Medevedev?

At the heart of Korda’s third-round Australian Open victory over Medvedev was his aggression and proactive shot-making.

The American played beyond his ranking, showing no signs of being the underdog as he recorded a 7-6 (7) 6-3 7-6 (4) win. 

Korda’s versatility meant he could continue long into rallies and force Medvedev into errors.

Whilst he only landed three aces, his ability to position serves well and subsequently control points was also key.

Medvedev spoke highly of Korda post-match, comparing his opponent to nine-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic.

“His game (is) kind of different to everybody because he’s very aggressive and takes the ball very early”, Medvedev said in his press conference.

“A little bit maybe like Novak. 

“Not every player is capable of doing that.”

Sebastian Korda’s dad and family

It’s fair to say that Korda comes from a very successful sporting family.

Notably, his father, former Czech tennis player Petr Korda, won the Australian Open singles title in 1998 and the men’s doubles trophy in 1996.

His mother, Regina Korda, was also a professional tennis player, reaching a career-high rank of world No. 26.

“I’m definitely the worst athlete in the family so far.” 😂

The Korda family are pretty incredible!#AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/fAwqWJuBb6

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2023

The Korda parents have since handed down their sporting talents to their children, with Sebastian’s two older sisters both golf stars on the LPGA Tour. 

Jessica picked up the Australian Open in 2012, whilst Nelly has hit her straps in recent years, winning the Women’s PGA Championship in 2021.

Sebastian Korda Australian Open results and next match

Prior to upsetting Medvedev, Korda had to defeat a plucky Cristian Garin in the opening round.

He then recorded a more straightforward win over Yosuke Watanuki in his second match.

He will next face Polish player and No. 10 seed Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth round.

That match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 22 in Melbourne.