Alex De Minaur (No. 9) and Sebastian Korda (No. 26) will
headline the first grass-court final of the year at the Libema s-Hertogenbosch Open. Both
players have had a successful start to the grass-swing, with high returns as
they will both achieve their best ranking once the tournament concludes.
The Australian is the top seed in terms of ranking and
comes to the tournament after reaching his first quarterfinals at Roland
Garros. On the other hand, Korda seeks to show that he is back to showcase his
best level and to take a leap with his second title.
De Minaur eyes career-high ranking
With a solid record of
32-11 this year and a title at the ATP 500 Mexican Open, De Minaur arrived as
the first seed at the Libema Open. The Australian is already established in the
top 10 and will rise to No. 7, his best historical ranking, if he clinches the
title.
Read also
So far, De Minaur has
not dropped a set in the tournament, securing victories over Zizou Bergs (No.
81), Milos Raonic (No. 197), and the third seed Ugo Humbert (No. 16) by 7-6(4),
6-3. He was up 4-0 in the first set but allowed his opponent to recover and win
five consecutive games. Nevertheless, he managed to take the match in straight
sets.
“Ugo is an incredible
competitor, he always fights 'til the end, so he made it very tricky. I was
able to just sneak that first set and then happy with the break at the end and
happy to be here. Happy it didn't rain and onto the final.”
The 26-year-old has
already shown his ability on grass, finishing as runner-up at the Queen’s Club
Championships last year, losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Alex De Minaur at 2024 Rotterdam Open.
Korda seeks second title
Korda will return to
his career-high ranking as world No. 23 and will play in the 7th final of his
career. The 23-year-old American only clinched the title at the 2021 Parma Open
and lost the other five finals he played, all in ATP 250 tournaments.
His path in 's
Hertogenbosch has been slightly longer than that of his opponent, who had a bye
in the first round. Korda entered as the 7th seed and defeated qualifier
Tristan Schoolkate (No. 185), later overcoming Luca Nardi (No. 73), second seed
Tommy Paul (No. 13), and 6th seed Tallon Griekspoor (No. 23), all in straight
sets.
Korda was nearly
flawless with his serve against Griekspoor, winning 80% of points on his first
serve and 87% on his second. The American didn't face any break points and
capitalized on 3 out of 4 break opportunities in the match: “It was super
tricky, super windy, and obviously Tallon is an unbelievable player and he won
here last year. It’s a nice confidence boost for me and hopefully I can win
another match tomorrow.”
Sebastian Korda in 2024 Paris-Masters.
Head-to-Head
In their head-to-head encounters, De Minaur leads 2-1. He
emerged victorious in their last two meetings at the 2024 Rotterdam Open (6-4,
6-3) and 2022 Paris Masters (6-4, 4-6, 6-4), both on indoor hard courts.
However, Korda's lone win came on grass back in 2021 Wimbledon, where the
American prevailed in a four-set battle 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6 in the first
round.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
