Sebastian Korda Withdraws from Winston-Salem Open Semi-Final
In an unexpected turn of events, Sebastian Korda has pulled out of his upcoming semi-final match at the 2025 Winston-Salem Open, marking a disappointing moment for both the player and fans alike. Previously, he had not reached an ATP semi-final since January 2023, when he advanced to the finals at the Adelaide International.
Recent Performances
Korda’s recent performances in Winston-Salem had been promising, showcasing his resilience. He secured his spot in the semi-finals following victories over:
- Vit Kopriva (6-3, 6-4)
- Kamil Majchrzak (6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4)
- Miomir Kecmanovic (6-1, 6-4)
Throughout the tournament, he managed to hit an impressive total of 43 aces.
Withdrawal Due to Illness
However, shortly before his match against Marton Fucsovics, Korda announced he would not be competing due to illness. The tournament organizers initially reported the withdrawal, citing health reasons. Korda later explained on social media that he had woken up feeling unwell and wished to prioritize his recovery as he tries to maintain his fitness for the upcoming US Open.
“Hi everyone. Woke up a bit under the weather and thought it was going to be difficult to play today. Been a long three months recovering and want to stay on track. Thanks for all the support and love,” he shared with his fans.
Looking Ahead to the US Open
The looming US Open, set to occur soon, likely influenced Korda’s decision to withdraw, as he aims to avoid any setbacks before the last Grand Slam of the year. Despite having to face a challenging draw, including former Top 10 player Cameron Norrie in the first round, Korda remains hopeful. If he progresses, he could face the formidable Novak Djokovic in the third round, adding pressure but also excitement to his campaign.
Impact on the Winston-Salem Open
Korda’s absence isn’t the only setback for the organizers of the Winston-Salem Open; they also had to contend with the withdrawal of the top-seeded doubles duo of Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski, who also pulled out from their semi-final match. This shift in schedule meant that fans lost not just Korda’s match but several others, significantly impacting the event’s lineup.
Consequently, the crowd could only look forward to one semi-final doubles clash between Rafael Matos and Marcelo Melo against Yuki Bhambri and Michael Venus, along with the quarter-final match still scheduled for that day.
