Rod Laver names Sebastian Korda favourite to take out the Australian Open NOT Novak Djokovic

By James On Jan 22, 2023

Australian tennis icon Rod Laver has revealed that rising star Sebastian Korda is now his favorite to win the Australian Open.

Laver, who is one of the greatest players of all time, has backed the 22-year-old giant-slayer to go all the way after watching him outplay Daniil Medvedev on Friday night.

Australian tennis icon Rod Laver believes rising star Sebastian Korda is now the favorite to win the Australian Open

Laver, who is one of the greatest players of all time, has backed the 22-year-old giant-slayer to go all the way after watching him outplay Daniil Medvedev on Friday night.

Korda, son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr, is having an outstanding start to the season that saw him nearly beat Novak Djokovic in the Adelaide International final.

There’s a guy, I think Korda. He beat Medvedev (on Friday night). And I think he’s the one who will be one of your next champions,” Laver said.

“There are four or five others who are 18, 19, and they are getting experience and playing here.”

The eleven-time Grand Slam star sees a very bright future for the young American.

Korda, son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr, is having a terrific start to the season that saw him nearly beat Novak Djokovic in the final of the Adelaide International.

“He’s been a great young player,” Laver said.

“Once you go from playing some of these guys who also ran (it’s one thing), but then when you go up against Medvedev, and you still play and compete, you’re prepared to push yourself.” he goes a long way.

Medvedev, who was tipped by many to win the tournament this year, was also in awe of the young star.

“His game (is) a bit different from everyone else because he is very aggressive and takes the ball very early,” the Russian said after the loss.

‘A bit like Novak (Djokovic) maybe. But, yeah, well, not every player is capable of doing that, so that’s beautiful and that’.

Medvedev, who was tipped by many to win the tournament this year, was also in awe of the young star who knocked him out of the tournament.

Korda says that he loves visiting Australia and that his match against Medvedev is one of the best ever.

“Probably one of the best games I’ve played in my career,” Korda said.

‘I just stuck with the game plan, kept chasing it. No matter what, keep pushing forward.

Korda has previously reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and the French Open and will now face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in a round of 16 match on Sunday.

Holger Rune (pictured) has stated that he wants to make his Australian Open dreams come true this year and has booked a fourth round clash with Andrey Rublev at Melbourne Park.

Canada’s Auger-Aliassime advanced to the round of 16 of the tournament for the third straight year and will play Czech Jiri Lehecka for a place in the quarterfinals.

Two other youngsters who are starring in an outstanding tournament are Holger Rune, 19, and Félix Auger-Aliassime, 22.

Rune has stated that he wants to make his dreams come true at the Australian Open this year and has booked a highly successful fourth round clash with Andrey Rublev at Melbourne Park.

Canada’s Auger-Aliassime advanced to the round of 16 of the tournament for the third straight year and will play Czech Jiri Lehecka for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas is someone to watch this year and will play Italian Jannik Sinner on Sunday in his quest for a maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

Tsitsipas is 4-1 against Sinner, including a straight-set quarterfinal victory at last year’s Open.

Melbourne’s strong ties to the Greek community are well known, and Tsitsipas has often commented how much he enjoys making the journey into the deep.

The Greek number 1 is having so much fun in Australia this year that he is considering a move to Melbourne.

“If there is any broker or real estate agency, please let me know,” he told the crowd after his latest straight-set win against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.