Sebastian Korda comes from a family of sporting savants.
The 22-year-old Korda is a singular sensation on the ATP Tour, says former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev.
More: Korda Knocks Medvedev out of AO
A commanding Korda broke Medvedev in his opening service game of each set, sending the 2022 finalist packing in a superb 7-6(7), 6-3, 7-6(4) Australian Open triumph.
Former US Open champion Medvedev credited Korda's unique skill set of taking the ball early, hitting the hell out of shots and landing with precision as qualities that set him apart.
"Yeah, the most difficult is that he hits very strong the ball," Medvedev said of Korda. "Probably one of the strongest hitters. Also takes it very early. There are some other guys playing like this, but they miss more than him. And he didn't miss that much."
Medvedev says Korda plays unlike anyone else in the world except for one man: nine-time AO champion Novak Djokovic.
Coincidentally, Djokovic out-dueled Korda 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 in the Adelaide International 1 final earlier this month.
"His game, yeah, kind of different from everybody because very aggressive and very early he takes the ball," Medvedev said of Korda. "A little bit maybe like Novak. But, yeah, well, not every player is capable of doing that, so that's beautiful and that. If I do it, I would be ranked 700 in the world."
While the 2018 Australian Open boys champion Korda owns just one career title and lacks Djokovic's defensive prowess and elasticity—to be fair few athletes in any sport are as flexible and fast as the 21-time Grand Slam champion—but can play assertive baseline tennis and make even the elite defend.
Twenty-five years ago, Korda's dad, left-hander Petr Korda, defeated Marcelo Rios to win the Australian Open championship.
Both of Korda's sisters, pro golfers Nelly Korda and Jessica Korda, have won LPGA championships in Australia. Korda's mentor and coaching consultant, Andre Agassi, whom he calls "one of the biggest parts of my rise" is a four-time AO champion.
So you can understand while the native Floridian feels right at home down under—and aims to continue the Korda family legacy and take the title with scissor-kicking celebration.
"I mean, it's fun to play here. The people, they love their sports here," Korda said. "They get after it. My dad always loved coming here and playing. Both my sisters, they love coming here. Just everything.
"It's a special place for us. We've had some really great results. Hopefully I can do one better than the juniors and do it in the pros. I always have a great time here. Just the people and everyone, they're really friendly, make you feel at home."
Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst John McEnroe calls Korda "potentially the most talented of all the young Americans with the biggest upside."
Next up for Korda is another familiar face, his buddy and sometime practice partner Hubert Hurkacz, who will aim to avoid extensive forehand to forehand exchanges with the young American.
"His serve is definitely one of the best on tour. Just the way he moves," Korda said of Hurkacz. "Kind of similar style a little bit to Daniil. I'm really looking forward to it. We practice quite a bit.
"Usually whenever we practice, he actually wins the tournament. I always give him jokes about that. Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. It's exciting, the fourth round of a Grand Slam. I'll be ready to go."
Photo credit: Daniel Pockett/Getty