CINCH CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 21, 2023

Sebastian Korda

Queens Club

Press Conference

S. KORDA/F. Tiafoe

7-6, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations. First top-10 win on grass courts, and also, this gives you quarterfinal at Queen's Club. How do you feel about your performance today?

SEBASTIAN KORDA: Yeah, great. Always tricky to play Frances, especially when he's so confident coming in from Stuttgart. He's an incredible player and we always have a lot of battles. I'm very happy with today.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Obviously Cam Norrie next. You've played three times. You have a head-to-head record 2-1. What are your memories of playing him at Delray Beach and the Australian Open as well?

SEBASTIAN KORDA: Yeah, definitely one of probably the biggest fighters on tour. He doesn't give you very many free points.

I'm expecting a good battle. It's going to be fun, for sure, and another good test for me. Yeah, another solid match coming up. I'm very happy for it.

Q. A lot of players are struggling with injuries. You had a fair amount of time off. How did you deal with it? How easy was it to come back or difficult?

SEBASTIAN KORDA: Yeah, extremely difficult. It's kind of funny seeing Nadal and how easy he gets back into the rhythm of everything.

Definitely was the first time I have ever been injured for a long period of time, so definitely learned a lot from it, but it was very tricky for me. Even still now I still have a couple of issues I'm not very comfortable with, but, you know, matches like these will just only prepare me and hopefully some good matches coming up next.

Q. A lot of British fans will know Jez Green with his work from Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu as well. Have you met either Andy and Jez, in the company of Jez, working with them during your rehab the last couple of months?

SEBASTIAN KORDA: Yeah, I have been with Jez basically since I got from Australia. We did kind of seven or eight good weeks, probably the longest block that I or Jez have ever done in our lives.

It was a lot of fun getting to know Jez a little bit. Definitely a huge addition to my team, building the body for Grand Slam tennis, and just a great person to have on my team as well.

Q. When you say building your body for Grand Slam tennis, without giving too many secrets away, what does he actually physically do for your fitness?

SEBASTIAN KORDA: Yeah, I have gained a few kilos since Australia and just kind of grow into my body. I was very skinny, very tall.

You know, the more matches I play, the more difficult, more sore here and there, but I think kind of the expertise of Jez is really just build the body, and so far I'm very happy with everything.

Q. How is the wrist? Six months off, five months off after the Australian Open, how are you feeling? How is it coping?

SEBASTIAN KORDA: Yeah, I have good days and sometimes I have bad days. Kind of now it's more mental. Sometimes I don't want to hit certain shots because I feel like a pain is going to be coming.

I just kind of gotta let that go and just play tennis. Everything is healthy right now and I'm just thrilled to be back on the tennis court.

Q. I think the British crowd will accept you beating one Brit with a hotdog lob as well. If you beat a second one, you might end up being a public enemy. How does that make you feel if you eliminate two British players?

SEBASTIAN KORDA: We'll see after I play Cam (smiling). I'm always very happy to play in front of the British fans here. They're so respectful of all the players. It's definitely a different atmosphere compared to other countries. It's a thrill playing here. I'm very excited for next match.

Q. When you say he's a warrior, do you mean that's because of the endurance, the competitive side of him? Just explain what it's like to play Cam Norrie.

SEBASTIAN KORDA: Yeah, definitely. He doesn't get tired, he doesn't cramp, and, you know, he brings a big intensity to the courts.

I think those are his three kind of biggest weapons, and his all-around game is super solid. Especially being a lefty makes it even more trickier. I'm expecting a good battle.

Q. I think fourth round is your best at Wimbledon? I presume that's a target you want to improve on this year or next year? Do you feel you have the game for grass as well?

SEBASTIAN KORDA: Yeah, I do. I'm very confident in myself on the grass court. I move really well and definitely have a game that not very many people have.

I'm an aggressive player, I like to come to the net, I have good hands, and I definitely feel as if I'm one of the favorites at Wimbledon.