Interview Korda: ‘It’s good to be here’

Korda’s name has been well known in tennis circles for decades. His father Petr was a Grand Slam champion and his son is also aiming for the very top. His sisters are also top golfers, so it’s not surprising that Sebastian Korda speaks passionately about all kinds of sports.

You are here for the first time and are immediately in the semi-finals. To what do you owe that?
‘I came early and was able to prepare well. There are many courts here so you can train often, which is very nice. In the competitions, I achieved a high level so I’m happy with how it’s all going.’

You are in the Netherlands for the second time this year, after your participation in Rotterdam. Had you ever been to the country before that?
‘No, I hadn’t. I can say in all honesty that the people are very nice. Living here is good, although I wouldn’t mind the sun breaking through once in a while.’

You now face Tallon Griekspoor, the defending champion. How do you feel about his qualities?
‘We have coincidentally been training here regularly. He can play well on grass, helped by a powerful serve and both a solid forehand and backhand. Moreover, he likes to come to the net. So it will be quite a challenge for me. But one I am looking forward to, because playing against such an opponent also helps me get better on grass.’

What do you feel every year when you are on a grass court for the first time?
‘I prefer faster courts. So to switch from gravel to grass gives me a nice feeling, although you always have to get used to how to play on this surface. It also brings a lot of muscle pain the first few days, because suddenly you are so much lower to the ground for your strokes.’

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year off the tennis court?
‘The fact that my wrist no longer bothers me. That seriously bothered me for a year and a half, which also made me feel uncomfortable outside the court. It also caused me restrictions in everyday life, with simple things like opening a bottle, for example.’

If you could live at any other time in history, when would that be?
‘In ancient Egypt. I would love to see for myself how they built those pyramids. That’s something I’ve often wondered about, I’m very curious about that.’

Did you have an obsession as a child?
‘Of everything with sports. When I was growing up, besides tennis, I did ice hockey, golf, taekwondo, among other things. I wanted to try out a lot. Fortunately, my parents gave me plenty of room for this. They also never pushed me towards tennis.’

Suppose, when the sun breaks through once, you get to organise a cosy barbecue here. Which three guests should not be missed?
‘Good music is a must and since we are in the Netherlands my choice falls on Martin Garrix. I’m also a serious fan of his, though. Since I really like ice hockey, I would like Sidney Crosby as a guest and with Andre Agassi joining us, we will have a fantastic storyteller. It doesn’t matter what Andre starts talking about, he can always bring it wonderfully and takes you completely into his stories.’