The tenth and last title of Petr Korda was also his biggest: In 1998 the Czech won his only Grand Slam success in singles in Melbourne, two years earlier he had already succeeded in doubles with Stefan Edberg in the same place. Since Saturday, Petr Korda, now 53 years old, is one of only three fathers who have been successful on the ATP tour at least once - and whose sons also won a title.

The other two? Ramanathan Krishnan and Phil Dent, who celebrated the success of their sons Ramesh and Taylor. But that's been a few years. And with all due respect to Ramesh Krishnan and Taylor Dent: The prospects that Sebastian Korda, who wrote a final victory against Marco Cecchinato for the first time as the tournament winner on the ATP tour in Parma, will have a more impressive career than his two predecessors, are good.

Training with Graf and Agassi

By the way, Korda ended a long dry spell: He is the first American since Sam Querrey 2010 in Belgrade to win an individual trophy on European sand. His debut as tournament champion was possible earlier in the year, but Sebastian Korda failed in the Delray Beach final due to Hubert Hurkacz. “It's something I've dreamed of,” said the 20-year-old after his win in Parma. “I really thought I could make it to Delray Beach and it broke my heart a little. But I stayed positive, even if the first part of the clay court season went so badly. "

He took a few days off and then prepared in Prague with his father and his coach, Korda continued. In the winter, Korda had already sought advice from two of the greats in tennis and completed a few training units under the supervision of Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf.

Korda on course for Tsitsipas

The freshly minted champion doesn't have time to breathe. Because at the French Open, where Sebastian Korda reached the round of 16 after qualifying and lost against Rafael Nadal , one of the favorites could be waiting in round two: Stefanos Tsitsipas . After all, the first task with Pedro Martinez turned out to be reasonably feasible. Especially since Korda Martinez has already safely defeated in three sets at Roland Garros in 2020.

In any case, Sebastian Korda has already reached new heights in the ATP world rankings: After the triumph in Parma, he is listed among the best 50 players in the world for the first time.

Here the single tableau in Roland Garros

rgmap