Sebastian Korda Battles Injuries to Reclaim Tennis Form

American tennis player Sebastian Korda is making a determined effort to overcome a series of injuries that have hindered his career. Now ranked No. 60 in the world, Korda is focused on regaining both his physical fitness and competitive edge. His journey has been riddled with setbacks, including missing key tournaments like Wimbledon in 2023 and experiencing lengthy absences from the court.

In a recent interview from his training base in Prague, Korda reflected on the mental and physical toll these injuries have taken on him. “I missed three months last year and about three to four this year,” he shared, highlighting the challenges of maintaining form while dealing with ongoing health issues. The pressure is particularly acute for Korda, who comes from a family steeped in sports; both of his parents were professional tennis players, with his father, Petr Korda, winning the 1998 Australian Open.

Korda’s recent performances illustrate the difficult balancing act that many athletes face when returning from injury. Competing at the Shanghai Masters, he lost to Belgian player Zizou Bergs, a match he was favored to win. After a month on the sidelines, this marked Korda’s sixth match in just 12 days as he attempted to regain his rhythm. Following this, he secured a hard-fought victory over Australian Alexei Popyrin in Stockholm, demonstrating his resilience despite not being at his best.

With the next Grand Slam still four months away, Korda is navigating a challenging transition period in his career. The indoor hard court season in Europe presents both opportunities and challenges, especially as he aims to build momentum. “You just kind of have to restart,” he explained. “I’ve got to put my head down and keep working hard. It definitely humbles you.”

Korda’s talent is undeniable. At his peak, he possesses a powerful serve that can reach speeds of 130 mph and exceptional finesse on the court. He first garnered attention by winning the junior title at the Australian Open in 2018, and he has since shown promise by competing against top players, including a notable performance against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the Adelaide International in January 2023, where he held a match point.

Despite the setbacks, Korda has made significant strides in his recovery. After dealing with a wrist injury that sidelined him for three months, he used the time to strengthen his body and add approximately 15 pounds to his frame. This preparation was intended to boost his performance as he returned to competitive play, particularly on grass courts, which he has historically excelled on.

However, his return has not been without difficulties. Following a promising start to 2024, including a semifinal appearance at the Canadian Open, Korda faced another challenge when he underwent elbow surgery in October. After a lengthy recovery, he made a comeback, competing in the Adelaide International and reaching the final before losing to Félix Auger-Aliassime.

As he continues to fight his way back into the top ranks of tennis, Korda remains focused on his long-term goals. He intends to participate in upcoming tournaments, including events in Basel and the Paris ATP Masters 1000, and aims to finish the season strong. Korda recognizes the importance of this off-season as a pivotal moment in his career, stating, “I’m young and I’m too hungry.”

With his family’s athletic legacy and his determination to succeed, Korda is working diligently to overcome his challenges and reclaim his place among the elite in tennis. As he battles through injuries and strives for consistency, the sports world watches closely, hoping to see him back at his best.