The 22-year-old American tennis player Sebastian Korda has recently made headlines with his wins in the Australian Open. What is really interesting is his candid conversation about mentor Andre Agassi in an interview that went viral. Right now, as the player faces Hubert Hurkacz in Melbourne, he is doing his best to retain his position at the first Grand Slam of the season. Meanwhile, the Tennis Podcast on Twitter captured a heartwarming gesture of the player right before the match.
Korda is seen paying a tribute to his dad Petr Korda and mentor Andre Agassi in a beautiful and subtle action. Right before the match, as he is walking onto the court, he does something really personal for both these Australian Open champions. As Korda mentioned earlier, Agassi is very close to his heart and his dad is his mentor too. So they both deserve this tribute before he breaks into his best form on court.
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Sebastian Korda has not forgotten his father’s legacy
Sebastian Korda is up against Hubert Hurkacz, the Polish tennis player. Korda has come really close to clinching the dream, eliminating seasoned players like Medvedev in the last three rounds. Although the player has talked about how he has a neutral mindset now, everybody needs some motivation. The way in which Korda subtly pays a tribute to his two guides is indeed heartwarming.
Read more: All You Need To Know About American Prodigy Sebastian Korda and Andre Agassi’s Special Relationship
The Tennis Podcast posted his gesture on Twitter with the caption, “Sebastian Korda gives a tap to his dad Petr AND Andre Agassi. I love a tap.”
Sebastian Korda gives a tap to his dad Petr AND Andre Agassi.
I love a tap.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/jx6Ixq1mR0
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 22, 2023
The young player was seen lightly tapping on the names of his father Petr Korda and his mentor Andre Agassi before making his entry into the court. He did not do it in the public eye or with a grand gesture, but just more of a personal confidence boost. Korda is still really young and having made it this far, he sure does have his mentors to thank. Fans are loving this display of affection and humbleness from Korda.
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Korda talks about Agassi being special to him
In a post-match interview, Korda talked about his mentor Andre Agassi and how close the two are. Right after his big win against Medvedev, Agassi texted the young tennis star. “He texted me. He‘s going to bed now. That’s the last thing he sent me,” said Korda with a winner’s smile during his post-match press conference after the third round.
The two became very close during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Korda goes so far as to say that Agassi is one of the most special people in his life. Not just as a tennis player, the two have a great relationship on the personal front as well. Korda credits a huge part of his success to his relationship with mentor Agassi. The two also spend a lot of time on a regular basis.
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