Korda reveals the moment that changed everything against Alcaraz: "I even laughed at myself"

Streaming M25 Figueira da Foz live tennis

🎾 John Echeverria vs Sebastian Dominko

1. Sign up with Bet365 here
2. Make your first deposit of at least €5
3. Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

 PUBLICIDAD

Register at bet365, deposit €5 or more into your account and you will receive 100% of your eligible deposit in Bet Credits (up to €100). New customers only. Terms apply. Winnings do not include the value of Bet Credits. Maximum prizes, game restrictions, time limits and terms apply. Registration required.

Sebastian Korda caused the biggest upset of the day at the Miami Open, defeating the top seed, Carlos Alcaraz, who once again bit the dust prematurely in the second Masters 1000 of the season, just like last year. The American achieved the best win of his career so far.

Press Conference of Sebastian Korda after defeating Alcaraz in Miami

Initial feelings

Yes, I mean, there were many tense moments, for sure. But I think today the most important thing was the confidence, believing in myself again, committing to every shot. Luckily, I managed to do it in the end.

Closing the match after what happened in the second set. The difficulty of closing out matches

It is definitely the hardest thing in tennis. It is probably double as complicated when you play against Carlos. You can feel his presence in crucial moments. He plays his best tennis in those moments. I even laughed at myself during the changeover when I lost that game at 5-3 in the third set. I thought, "Here we go again." I learned from it. I knew in the second set I had opened up the serve too much towards the outside. I wasn't going to repeat that mistake. I learned, and I am happy about it.

The role of Ryan Harrison, his coach, alongside him

It's a lot of fun. We work very hard. I think one of the best things about Ryan is that we do the work, talk about it, analyze it, and then try to be normal. We don't try to obsess too much about tennis or burden it with emotions. I think that's helping me a lot, even after tough matches: talking about it, turning the page, learning from mistakes, and in the end, enjoying it again.

Winning against a world number 1 for the first time

Honestly, before the match, I didn't even know I had never played against a number one before. In the end, it's just a ranking. There are many incredible players who could be number one right now. From the start, all through the day, all I wanted was to take care of my side of the court. Not to have a bad attitude, be committed, and believe. I think when you play against higher-ranked players, sometimes you lose a bit of that confidence. That was the only thing I demanded of myself throughout the whole match.

Losing the second set after having it completely in hand

The good thing is I wasn't thinking about the consecutive points I had lost. It probably would have gotten me into more trouble if I had. I think one of the best things about tennis is that everything can change very quickly. Just like Carlos went from 3-5 and 15-30 to winning 7-5. Everything changes in an instant. One of the keys is to slow down and go back to what is working. Luckily, Ryan stood up at that moment and talked to me about what I could do better. It was crucial today. And then, trusting my serve. Without it today, I wouldn't be here.

Decision to play in San Diego after the Australian Open

I needed certain things. That's why I went to San Diego, to put myself in pressure situations. I was injured for a long time, months out, and I fell into a very dark moment. Those weeks were important to rediscover myself. I wasn't playing at the current level, especially mentally I didn't feel well. It gave me confidence to return to those demanding scenarios, to live those uncomfortable moments within a match. It helped me a lot. If I hadn't played in San Diego, I don't think I would be here now.

Talking about needing to find himself

In Dallas, I was very lucky. John McEnroe was there and took a few minutes to talk to me. We talked about finding my identity on the court, about who I am as a person and what I am going through. It was amazing that he took that time. Seeing how he understands my game and what he thinks I can use to improve. One of the things he told me was, "You have to look within yourself, discover who you are, why you play tennis, and why you like it." That has been crucial for me. I am very grateful.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Korda revela el momento que lo cambió todo ante Alcaraz: "Llegué a reírme de mí mismo"