Sebastian Korda was once hailed as the future star destined to be America’s top tennis player. However, that dream has yet to materialize. His journey has become a testament to the narrative of missed opportunities in professional tennis.
Korda made his mark in 2021 at just 20 years old, breaking into the top 100 with conviction. That year saw him pushing higher, narrowly missing a spot in the top 40. He accumulated 36 wins, including significant victories against seasoned ATP players. Notably, he participated in the ATP Next Gen Finals, reaching the final match before facing off against Carlos Alcaraz.
The following year, 2022, showcased Korda’s struggles as he failed to build on his previous success. It became a challenging year marked by injuries and inconsistent form, leaving him outside the top 30. However, 2023 saw him break through that barrier, displaying moments of genuine skill, although injuries still haunted him.
Korda’s Superstardom Remains Elusive
Korda’s 2026 Grand Slam journey commenced at the tournament his father famously won, only to conclude with a disappointing first-round loss. This was unexpected, especially considering his favorable history on Australian courts. Recall his dominant performance against Medvedev a few years back, which showed that at his best, Korda can be formidable.
Sadly, Korda’s peak performance is a rarity. While injuries play a part, many players face similar challenges and still manage to excel. Korda, however, continues to struggle. His loss to Zheng highlighted his ongoing issues—despite amassing 22 aces and 71 winners, he could not secure the win.
Introducing Michael Zheng
Conversely, a new star is emerging: Michael Zheng. He has been making a significant impact on the Challenger Tour, and his performance on the big stage was nothing short of impressive.
The 21-year-old, currently ranked 175th, displayed remarkable patience and a flawless game, reminiscent of Djokovic’s style in how he avoided mistakes. Despite his lack of standout weapons—no aces or overwhelming winners—Zheng skillfully led Korda to self-destruct.
The Future of American Tennis
The grim reality is that Zheng appears closer to becoming the next big tennis sensation from America than Korda. While Korda’s serve is solid, it hasn’t reached elite levels given his physique. His movement has stagnated and injuries have not helped his mental game either.
Though Korda’s strokes are visually appealing, they are insufficient in today’s competitive tennis landscape where talent depth is unparalleled.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
