Sebastian Korda decided not to play in this year’s Paris Olympics, just like he skipped the last ones.
While many sports see the Olympics as the ultimate event, tennis is a bit different. Winning an Olympic medal is prestigious, but it doesn’t hold the same weight as Wimbledon.
Top tennis players don’t always compete in the Olympics because of how representation works there. At Wimbledon, only the highest-ranked players get to play.
Korda’s Choices and Reasons
Korda wants to compete at the Olympics but has never played in them. He had a chance three years ago in Tokyo but chose not to go.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 Sebastian Korda | 24 | 1,620 | 15 - 13 |
In Tokyo, he didn’t feel safe traveling due to COVID-19 and thousands of athletes being present . This year, he avoided clay courts after spending three months playing on various surfaces in Europe. Instead, he wanted to return home and play on hard courts to earn points before the 2024 Citi Open in Washington.
“Yeah, Tokyo was I think difficult just because, I mean, it was COVID. You didn’t really know what was going to happen there. I just didn’t really feel comfortable going. My sisters both went and they had an amazing time.”
Fans might wonder if he’ll ever make it to the Olympics.
“I felt this year that I just needed to, yeah, just play on the hard courts. It’s an important time of the year for me. I don’t have a lot of points also to defend. Just wanted to be home.”
“I was in Europe for close to three months, I think over three months. Yeah, just wanted to be home, play a tournament in the United States, just try and play better for the rest of the year.”
Korda isn’t against playing at the Olympics; he actually wants to be there someday. The next games will be held in Los Angeles on hard courts—his favorite surface—and he’s eager for that opportunity.
“Oh, for sure. I would love to make the L.A team If that opportunity presents itself I’m definitely there.”
What do you think about Korda’s choices?
