“I’m one of the favourites at Wimbledon” – Korda feeling confident following impressive return to grass-court action

As another Grand Slam title ended up in Novak Djokovic‘s hands at the end of a breathless Roland-Garros two weeks back, most were left wondering who could possibly stop the world No. 1 from claiming an eighth Wimbledon crown at this summer’s championships.

Given the limited number of top players who are confident with grass-court tennis, the list appeared even more limited than usual.

However, there was one name that largely escaped attention – perhaps because a six-month injury lay-off led most to believe he was out of the equation.

Sebastian Korda a contender at Wimbledon

But make no mistake, Sebastian Korda looks every bit a possible Wimbledon contender – and he knows it.

“I’m very confident in myself on the grass court. I move really well and definitely have a game that not very many people have.

“I’m an aggressive player, I like to come to the net, I have good hands, and I definitely feel as if I’m one of the favourites at Wimbledon.”

These are bullish words coming from someone who – prior to Queen’s this week – had only played four matches since being forced to retire from his quarter-final match in Australia back in January.

But for those who have watched the world No. 29 in action on the grass courts of Queen’s this week, Korda’s words make a lot of sense.

KORDA-FINALS! 🤩

Sebi Korda defeats compatriot Tiafoe 7-6 6-3 to reach the last 8 at @QueensTennis!#cinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/dX7oyuC5h3

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 21, 2023

The transformation from the player Korda was across the clay-court stretch to how he plays on grass is quite astonishing. This week, the 22-year-old American has been moving as if he has been fine-tuning his game all season, rather than nursing a return to the match court following a severely hampering wrist injury.

It is true that Korda has only played two matches on the grass this season, so the evidence for his form is limited. It should also be noted that he has only played at Wimbledon once before, making the fourth round in 2021.

But the manner in which he dispatched Dan Evans and then recent Stuttgart champion Frances Tiafoe is hugely promising.

Building a ‘Grand Slam body’ crucial for Korda

The work that Korda has been doing behind the scenes with renowned fitness coach Jez Green has clearly helped.

“I have been with Jez basically since I got from Australia. We did kind of seven or eight good weeks, probably the longest block that I or Jez have ever done in our lives”, Korda explained in his post-match press conference.

“It was a lot of fun getting to know Jez a little bit. Definitely a huge addition to my team, building the body for Grand Slam tennis, and just a great person to have on my team as well.”

Building a body for Grand Slam tennis feels like the essential missing ingredient from the American’s game right now.

Following a brilliant run the last eight in Melbourne this year, it was another physical ailment that let Korda down as he was forced to retire with the wrist injury that has side-lined him for most of the season.

Should the US No. 4 put together a physique that can withstand the rigours of a fortnight of five-set tennis, then he will be a threat for the biggest titles in the sport – especially on grass.

A player tailor-made for the grass at Wimbledon

The rest of Korda’s game is remarkably complete. He moves serenely around the court with a style so pleasing on the eye, using his clean groundstrokes to lay the foundation for frequent forays to the net, allowing him to finish off points with purpose and panache.

At well over six feet tall, with a serve that is every bit as powerful as it is accurate, Korda’s game style is tailor-made for grass-court tennis.

The biggest question mark is how the big-serving American will cope physically over the next month. It appears there are still niggles with the wrist that sometimes affect his confidence in his shots.

“Definitely was the first time I have ever been injured for a long period of time, so definitely learned a lot from it, but it was very tricky for me.

“Even still now I still have a couple of issues I’m not very comfortable with, but, you know, matches like these will just only prepare me and hopefully some good matches coming up next.”

Grass-court specialists pose Wimbledon threat

However, should the wrist hold up and no fresh injury concerns arise, then Korda will indeed be a strong contender for the Wimbledon title.

Far fewer top players are comfortable on grass compared with hard and clay courts – Korda is one of them. The serve-and-volley tactics and clean, flat groundstrokes will give any opponent trouble on this surface.

If Rybakina’s win last year taught us anything, it is that grass-court specialists flying under the radar are very dangerous at Wimbledon.

The ingredients are all there for a deep run at Wimbledon for Sebastian Korda this year, despite the injuries. Instead of looking at the rankings for potential challengers to Djokovic’s throne, perhaps we should be looking at those grass-court specialists flying, as yet, relatively unnoticed.

You might also like this

“I think I kind of reinvented myself” – surging Khachanov reaches semis as Korda retires with wrist injury

tennis majors

“Throughout this year, I haven’t had one negative thought” – Sebastian Korda, on the power of positive thinking

tennis majors

QUIZ – How much do you know about Novak Djokovic and his Grand Slam record (and some other records)?

tennis majors

Federer hails Djokovic’s record-breaking 23rd slam title: “I thought what Novak did was incredible”

tennis majors

Novak Djokovic and the records that could keep him motivated over the next few years

tennis majors