Sebastian Korda: “My goal at the start of the year was to finish top 20, top 25 - that's still my goal"
Sebastian Korda has but one goal for the season - to end the year in the top 25 of the ATP rankings. He will try to break into the top 20 if things go well.
Ranked World No. 33, Korda is in action at the Zhuhai Championships in China this week, where he's the fourth seed. He told ATP Tour that he will do everything in his power to end the year well and begin the next with as much confidence as possible.
The highest Korda has been ranked is World No. 25, which he achieved earlier this year in June. However, a string of poor results, including first-round exits at Wimbledon, Cincinnati and the US Open, has prevented the 23-year-old from climbing any further.
“My goal at the start of the year was to finish Top 20, Top 25. That's still my goal.
"If I have a couple of good weeks, (I have) a good chance to do it. I have a lot of weeks ahead of me, and, hopefully, I’ll have some good results to finish the year and prepare for next year,” Sebastian Korda said.
Korda also provided an insight about the conditions in Zhuhai, saying that they're similar to that of indoor tennis, which he prefers.
"It hasn't been easy, for sure. But I enjoy these types of conditions playing here. It is kind of like indoor tennis, (which is) definitely one of my favourites,” Sebastian Korda said.
“Zhuhai's actually a very, very beautiful place; I’m staying in a great hotel and have a great view of the whole city" - Sebastian Korda
Sebastian Korda also commented on the city of Zhuhai, saying that it's a "very, very beautiful place".
The American also added that he's forward to producing a good showing during the week.
“It's actually a very, very beautiful place. (I’m) staying in a great hotel and have a great view of the whole city. It is very easy to be here. (I’m) very relaxed.
"A lot of the players on the Tour said how great the crowds are here, the fans. People love tennis here… so I’m expecting a good week from the fans," Sebastian Korda said.
Having received a bye in the first round at the ATP 250 event, Korda takes on either Rinky Hijikata or Alexandre Muller in the second.