Sebastian Korda has revealed that the issue which forced him to retire from his quarter-final match at the Australian Open is something he has previously experienced but is puzzled as to what is causing the discomfort.
The world No.31 was forced to pull out of his match against Russia‘s Karen Khachanov whilst trailing 7-6(5), 6-3, 3-0, due to a right wrist injury. Korda, who was playing in the last eight of a major for the first time at the age of 22, had only previously retired from an ATP Tour match once before in his career.
“I think it got worse during the match. I hit one forehand return (in the second set), and after that, it was almost tough to hold the racquet at times,” Korda said of his wrist problem.
“I had it a little bit in Adelaide a couple weeks ago, but then it went away. During those matches, it was completely fine. Then just one kind of mishit return, and it started to bother me a lot after that.”
In his press conference, Korda said he had never previously experienced any issues with his wrist until this month. Due to the unclear cause of his problem, he doesn’t know how long it will take him to recover.
“I don’t know what it really is. It just came back out of nowhere. I don’t know. I’m seeing a doctor right after this and figure it out more.” He said.
It is a frustrating outcome for the American who has enjoyed a strong start to 2023. Prior to Melbourne Park, he reached the final of the Adelaide International and had a match point against Novak Djokovic before losing in three sets. Andy Murray, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Hubert Hurkacz are some of the players he has already beaten this season.
There is some consultation for Korda who is currently projected to rise to a ranking high of 25th in the world following his run in Melbourne Park. He is currently coached by former top 10 player Radek Stepanek, as well as Martin Stepanek.
“I have always been very close to winning the big matches but now I’m getting through them. I think that’s a huge lesson I have been learning and going forward I’m really proud of myself,” said Korda.
“I’m going to keep on trying to do the same thing, keep on mentally being the same way. I think I can do some really big things in the near future.”
