Sebastian Korda won the third title of his career when he defeated fifth seed and former finalist Tommy Paul in the finals of the Delray Beach Open and ATP 250 level.
2021 finalist Korda defeated his compatriot 6-3 6-3 to become the ninth American to lift that trophy.
“[It means] a lot of. I’ve been through some things in the last few months, years,” said Korda, who rises to 40th in the world rankings. “I’ve lost a lot of finals and now I have to make another one here in Delray – this is where I made my first ATP final – so it’s a full circle day. I’m just happy.”
In strong stormy conditions, the 25-year-old struck the ball confidently as he took control from the baseline, earning a decisive break at 5-4 in the opening set, while remaining strong on serve.
Korda overcame a dangerous moment when Paul held three break points while serving for the match, and then a fourth as his compatriot tried to extend the final.
Paul’s attempts were all thwarted as Korda held firm and wrapped up the match after 82 minutes.
“It was tough. We both had a hard time there, it was super windy,” Korda said. “I was just trying to put the ball in the court. I was born and raised in Florida, so I’m a little used to the wind, but this was definitely extreme.”
Korda ousted three of the top five seeds during his run to the title round, including second seed Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals and third seed Flavio Cobolli in the semifinals.
In the second all-American final this season, after Dallas last week.
Korda has now defeated Paul five times in seven meetings and this latest victory over his compatriot prevented Paul from claiming his fifth career title.
#Delray #Beach #Korda #ninth #American #champion