Taylor Fritz took the ATP Tour by storm in 2024 establishing himself as America’s best hope to win a Grand Slam title in the men’s game.
American tennis had struggled for many years to find their next ‘guy’, but Fritz’s arrival in 2024 may well have solved that problem.
Fritz reached the final of the ATP Finals in November, having lost to Jannik Sinner in the US Open final just a few months prior.
Results that saw Fritz finish 2024 as world number four, the highest year-end ranking for an American since James Blake in 2006.
Many are now predicting the 27-year-old to finally get over the line and take home a maiden Major title in the new year.
However, one former coach has now said that he thinks a different American ATP star could be in line for a Grand Slam title before too long.
Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rick Macci thinks Sebastian Korda will win a Grand Slam before Taylor Fritz
Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci took to X to give his thoughts on who he thinks could bring home America their first Grand Slam title in men’s tennis since Andy Roddick.
“He has the talent,” said Macci.
“He has the game.
“If he can stay injury-free and play the entire year, a Grand Slam title for Sebby [Sebastian] Korda is very near.”
Macci also took the time to analyze Korda’s backhand technique recently where he made an even bolder prediction about the 24-year-old’s future.
“In my opinion, the next American to win a Grand Slam, Sebastian Korda,” he said.
At 24-years-old, Korda has struggled to remain fit for an entire ATP season during his career to date, despite showing flashes of excellence during his time on tour.
The American did, however, have a strong end to 2024, as Korda won the Washington Open, beating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in the final.
Korda then reached the semi-finals of the Canadian Open, taking down Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals for his eighth career top-ten win.
It was a strong end to the year that saw the Floridian reach a career-high of 15th in the world, before Korda ended his season early due to injury, needing surgery on his elbow.
Clearly one of America’s finest young talents, how does he compare to the rest of the USA’s best ATP stars?
How does Sebastian Korda compare to other top American ATP stars?
While America has struggled to produce another Grand Slam winner in the men’s game since Roddick, there has been no shortage of talent in recent years.
The United States currently has eight players ranked inside the world’s top 50, all having enjoyed success on the ATP Tour throughout their careers.
| USA rank | ATP rank | Name | Best Grand Slam result | ATP titles | Top ten wins |
| 1 | 4 | Taylor Fritz | F – 2024 US Open | 8 | 30 |
| 2 | 12 | Tommy Paul | SF – 2023 Australian Open | 4 | 12 |
| 3 | 18 | Frances Tiafoe | SF – 2022 US Open, 2024 US Open | 3 | 13 |
| 4 | 21 | Ben Shelton | SF – 2023 US Open | 2 | 5 |
| 5 | 22 | Sebastian Korda | QF – 2023 Australian Open | 2 | 8 |
| 6 | 38 | Brandon Nakashima | 4R – 2022 Wimbledon, 2024 US Open | 1 | 2 |
| 7 | 41 | Alex Michelsen | 3R – 2024 Australian Open | – | 1 |
| 8 | 46 | Marcos Giron | 3R – 2021 French Open, 2023 French Open | 1 | 4 |
Unlike the four players ranked above him, Korda is yet to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam, coming closest back in 2023 at the Australian Open.
The American retired with a wrist injury during the third-set against Karen Khachanov, an injury that kept him out of action for several months.
The American had already enjoyed a mighty impressive tournament, however, knocking out Daniil Medvedev and Hubert Hurkacz on his run to the last eight.
A great performance and one that Korda will be looking to replicate if he is to fulfil Macci’s bold prediction in the new year.
Korda’s first opportunity to win a Grand Slam next year will be at the Australian Open which begins on January 12.
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