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French Open match preview: Sebastian Korda vs Sebastian Ofner

By Vimal Rana

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28. Sebastian Korda of the United States celebrates his victory against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States in the first round of the singles competition on Court Six during the 2023 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 28, 2023, in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28. Sebastian Korda of the United States celebrates his victory against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States in the first round of the singles competition on Court Six during the 2023 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 28, 2023, in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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Sebastian Korda registered his first win since his impressive Autralian Open campaign overcoming compatriot Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets to book a second round clash with Sebastian Ofner in the French Open.

Korda started the season well with a runner up finish in Adelaide followed by sensational run in the Australian Open where he upset Daniil Medvedev in straight sets before beating Hubert Hurkacz. His run in the season opening slam was cut short in the quarter final, as he had to retire mid match against Karen Kachanov due to a wrist injury which kept him out of action for three months.

Korda’s return to action was not smooth as he lost in the first round in Madrid and Rome, losing in straight sets in both matches but he looked much better in his opening round encounter in Paris agianst Mackenzie McDonald and will start as the favourtie in his next match.

Like his second round opponent, Sebastian Ofner too wrapped up his opening match in straight sets as he beat big serving Maxime Cressey 6-4,7-6(6),6-2 to continue his good run on clay this year.

Playing mainly on the challenger tour since his return from injury last year, Ofner boasts an impressive 28-9 record on clay courts this season.

Coming through from the qualifiers, he made the most of a favorable opening round draw against Maxime Cressey who has struggled on clay in his entire career.

Ofner has extensive experience on clay courts and has played a lot more this season than Korda which makes this a closer contest than what the rankings suggest.

While Korda’s ability him the rightful favourite in this match, this is a tricky test for him as Sebastian Ofner has the game to upset higher ranked opponents on slow surfaces and Korda will have to be at his best to get to the next round.

Prediction- Korda to win in 4 sets.

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