Sebastian Korda is certainly looking strong at the Miami Open, with the American now into the last 16.
Korda started his 2025 Miami Open in the second round after a first round bye, with the 24th seed beating compatriot Eliot Spizzirri 6-4, 6-2.
The ATP number 25 then took his game to another level to knock out Stefanos Tsitsipas, with Korda defeating the ninth seed 7-6(7-4), 6-3.
He has now set up a Miami Open round of 16 meeting with Gael Monfils, having just lost to the Frenchman at Indian Wells.
Steve Johnson is concerned about Korda’s fitness in 2025, but the latter is currently enjoying his time on the court in Miami.
Sebastian Korda names ‘vicious’ Rafael Nadal as his toughest ever opponent
He was also in high spirits off the court at the tournament, where he was one of many players who took questions from fans at the Sky View attraction.
Taking on the challenge for the Miami Open on X, Korda was asked by one lucky fan for the toughest opponent he has ever come up against.
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“Probably [Rafael] Nadal,” replied the American, smiling. “He’s vicious. He comes after you and he doesn’t stop.”
What was the head-to-head record between Sebastian Korda and Rafael Nadal?
Given that Korda is just 24 and Nadal has now retired, the two were only able to meet twice on the ATP Tour.
And perhaps unsurprisingly, it was the Spaniard who triumphed on both occasions, beating the American at the French Open and Indian Wells.
| Year | Winner | Tournament | Round | Surface | Score |
| 2022 | Rafael Nadal | ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells | Round of 64 | Outdoor Hard | 62 16 76(3) |
| 2020 | Rafael Nadal | Roland Garros | Round of 16 | Outdoor Clay | 61 61 62 |
Now Korda has a score to settle with another veteran in Monfils, having lost his Indian Wells opener to the 38-year-old earlier this month.
The Frenchman won their battle in the desert 7-6(7-2), 7-6(7-4), in what was the first meeting between he duo.
Unlike Korda, Monfils started out in round one at the Miami Open, and indeed has been involved in three three-set matches.
His victims involve Fabian Marozsan, Jaume Munar and 26th seed Jiri Lehecka, with the world number 46 currently chasing a 14th ATP title.
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