Despite never participating in the main draw of the Wimbledon Championships, Sebastian Korda has surpassed expectations as he battled his way to the fourth round on Friday.
The 20-year old broke British hearts as he overcame 21st seed Dan Evans 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 in their third round encounter, displaying a poise that belied his lack of big-match experience.
“I just stayed calm in the biggest moments as much as I could," said Korda after the match. "I tried to stay relaxed and keep playing attacking tennis, that’s what I do. I’m really proud of myself for that today.”
Making his Centre Court debut, Korda followed the footsteps of his father, Petr Korda, who defeated fifth-seeded Michael Chang on Centre Court in the second round of the 1995 Championships.
“It's a big achievement," added Korda. "A year ago, I was 220 in the world and I’m here in the fourth round at Wimbledon. It’s incredible. I have my family to thank, my coaches and everybody around me.”
The World No.50 will face 25th seed Karen Khachanov for a place in the quarterfinals on Monday, which also happens to the day the American turns 21. Should Korda triumph, he will match his father’s best performance at the All England Club, which came with a run to the 1998 last eight (l. to Tim Henman).