Momentum followed. In 2021, Korda became the youngest American man to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon since Andy Roddick’s semifinal run in 2003. Two years later, he broke new ground with his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2023 Australian Open, cementing his place among a promising new generation of U.S. players that included Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton.
But injuries soon stalled his rise. A right elbow surgery in 2024 was followed by a stress fracture in his right shin earlier this year, keeping him sidelined after the French Open in May. The setbacks dropped him from a career-high ranking of No. 15 just a year ago to No. 86, as ranking points from past successes slipped away.
This week, the 25-year-old returned to the court at the Winston-Salem Open, using the hard-court tournament as a springboard into the U.S. Open. “It was a long time,” Korda told the Associated Press. “But it’s nice to be playing again.”
Korda admitted that recovery tested his patience. After doctors confirmed the shin fracture via MRI, he spent weeks unable to put weight on the leg. Still, he kept his racket in hand, hitting balls from a chair while wearing a protective boot. Only two weeks ago did he return to full training.
“It’s been a lot of fun being back out here and running around,” he said. “Something I won’t ever take for granted again is being able to run pain-free.”
Born into a sporting dynasty, Korda’s pedigree is undeniable. His father, Petr Korda, won the 1998 Australian Open and was a French Open finalist in 1992, while his mother, Regina Rajchrtová, was once ranked in the world’s top 30. His sisters, Nelly and Jessica Korda, are both successful professional golfers, with Nelly reaching the world No. 1 ranking.
Despite his injuries, Korda remains motivated by the progress of his peers on tour. “I definitely haven’t been playing healthy. That’s kind of the main goal right now,” he said. “I’m not comparing myself to anyone, but there’s a lot of motivation from seeing your peers doing so well — Ben, Taylor, Frances, Tommy, (Alex) Michelsen, Learner (Tien). They’re all pushing each other. We’re all pushing each other.”
After going 11-10 in 21 matches this season, Korda now enters the final Grand Slam of the year with renewed determination. While his climb back may take time, his talent and resilience suggest the American’s story is far from over.