Monte-Carlo Masters: Sebastian Korda Takes a Completely Different Stance From Compatriots Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe About European Clay

Sebastian Korda is “pretty comfortable” playing n the European clay swing, a significant divergence from his American peers in the tennis world. After a successful run at the Indian Wells and the Miami Open, Korda is excited about the clay-court season. However, his American colleagues, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, have decided not to play in the Monte-Carlo Masters. While some players thrive on the red dirt, others strategically choose to bypass certain events.

As per the formal guidelines established by the authorities, participation in the Monte Carlo Masters is not mandatory. This gives players more room to arrange their schedules. The ATP tour from April to July can be hectic for American players because of a series of consecutive events and constant travel. By skipping Monte-Carlo, they can rest and enjoy some time off the court before starting the European clay-court swing. But Sebastian, Korda thinks otherwise.

Sebastian Korda defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round of the Monte Carlo 2024. After the victory, the World No. 33 shed light on his preference for choosing Monte-Carlo masters. In a post-match interview, when asked about why he chose not to skip the tournament like his other colleagues, he said, “Everyone has their own way of doing things. I’m pretty comfortable in Europe.”

Further stating his reason for playing, Korda indicated how at ease he is and how much he loves the continent. “One way I kind of grew up here. My parents are European. So I think getting here and playing against the best guys in the world is really big for me,” Sebastian Korda added.

With upcoming tournaments like the Barcelona Open, Madrid Open, and French Open from April to June, players find it difficult to navigate around their hectic schedule. Therefore, playing back-to-back intense matches becomes tedious for them. But for Sebastian Korda, this is the start of the season and an opportunity to get “adjusted” to the clay court.

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“Yeah, just getting adjusted to the surface being here. It is a long journey on the clay, you know, and just gotta be positive and happy,” Sebastian Korda further added. He is due to play Jannik Sinner in his next match at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Although Shelton and Tiafoe did not participate in the Monte-Carlo, they made history in another tournament in their own country!

Shelton and Tiafoe are breaking the stereotype in the tennis world

In Houston this past Sunday, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe made history as the first two black Americans to compete in an ATP Tour singles final. The fact that it took 56 years of the Open Era to break the historic barrier makes it special.

The 21-year-old Shelton, with his 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory, won his second ATP championship. He also became the youngest Houston champion since 2002’s Andy Roddick (then-19-year-old). Following the match, Shelton acknowledged Tiafoe’s impact on the game, saying, “You’ve been such an inspiration to kids, people of color in our sport. Just an amazing representation.”.

As the clay court season gradually progresses, fans are waiting to witness their favorite players back on court. Till then, in the Monte-Carlo Masters, all eyes will be on the incredibly skilled players, like Sebastian Korda, in their upcoming matches.

Read more: In Pictures: Ben Shelton Points to His Father’s Inscription in an Iconic Frame After Emulating His 32-Year-Old Feat