Sebastian Korda sinks reigning Den Bosch champ Tallon Griekspoor for first grass final
The American has not dropped a set en route to Sunday's championship match.
Is this the year Sebastian Korda makes his move on grass?
On Saturday, the 23-year-old reached his first tour-level final on the surface and in doing so, ended Tallon Griekspoor’s hopes of repeating as champion in 's-Hertogenbosch.
Korda dismissed the sixth-seeded home favorite, 6-2, 6-4, in 64 minutes. The No. 7 seed dominated at the line, winning 87 percent of his second-serve points whilst facing zero break points during blustery conditions.
“It was super tricky, super windy, Obviously Tallon is an unbelievable player and him winning here last year, it’s a nice confidence boost for me,” Korda said during his on-court interview.
On the overall vibe of the 250-level tournament, Korda added, “It’s amazing. In between the changeovers, there’s always some fans singing. It’s good fun, respectful.”
With his victory, Korda has now won all eight sets he’s contested this week. He ousted countryman Tommy Paul, the No. 2 seed, in the previous round.
For a place in the final, Korda awaits the winner of top seed Alex de Minaur and third seed Ugo Humbert. The Bradenton, Fla. native is bidding to end a four-match losing streak in ATP finals and return to the winner’s circle for the first time since celebrating his maiden triumph in May 2021 on clay at Parma.
Korda improved to 13-6 lifetime in grass-court matches at the tour level.