"He is kind of just leading the way for us young guys, watching him kind of inspires me to do better" - Sebastian Korda on Carlos Alcaraz
Sebastian Korda reserved high praise for fellow Next Gen star Carlos Alcaraz after defeating the Spaniard 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-3 in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters.
In an interview with the Tennis Channel, Korda expressed admiration for his opponent, who he feels is blazing the trail for young players in the sport.
Alcaraz sent the tennis world abuzz with his slew of early achievements, which earned comparisons to tennis great Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz even went on to outdo Nadal in one aspect, by winning the Miami Open at 18 years old. He became the youngest champion in Miami and the first Spaniard to win the tournament.
"He is kind of just leading the way for us young guys, that it's possible to win these big tournaments and it gives you a lot of confidence. Just watching him kind of inspires me to do better," Korda said.
In windy conditions in Monaco, Korda fended off 13 of 19 break points he faced while converting seven of his own to down Alcaraz and level their head-to-head 1-1. Korda had lost to the Spaniard in the Next Gen Finals last year.
Got the crowd ON THEIR FEET ⚡️
A stunner on the run from @SebiKorda!
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"I played him in Milan last year. He is probably a completely different player than he was back then. He has improved so much and he is such an incredible player. He's been playing unbelievable tennis," said Sebastian Korda.
Korda went on to elaborate on Alcaraz's strengths in his post-match press conference
"He can do it all. He's quick, he's got a great serve, great forehand, great backhand, volleys well. There is nothing he can't really do. He's very mentally strong, physical. So it's a very tough opponent, and he's going to be very tough to beat in the next couple of years. Hopefully, we play a lot of good tennis against each other," said Sebastian Korda.
What a lob🤩!
@alcarazcarlos03 | @ROLEXMCMASTERS | #ROLEXMCMASTERS https://t.co/5kvntKgsTr
"I love playing Carlos" - Sebastian Korda on potential rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz
Sebastian Korda welcomed the idea of a potential rivalry between himself and Carlos Alcaraz, adding that he thought the Spaniard was an "unbelievable player" and an "even better person".
"I hope so. I love playing Carlos. He's an unbelievable player, even better person. So I hope we play tennis for a lot of years and a lot of matches coming up," the 21-year-old said.
backhand down the line by @SebiKorda!What a sweet🍬backhand down the line by @SebiKorda!
The American battles past Alcaraz in three tight sets 7-6 (2) 6-7 (5) 6-3 to advance in Monte Carlo.
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Korda will face fellow American and Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz in the third round in Monte-Carlo.