Sebastian Korda crashed the Shanghai Masters plans of Daniil Medvedev as the American scored a 7-6 (8), 6-2 upset scoreline on Sunday to send the defending champion out in the third round.
Medvedev won the last edition of the event – played in2019 before China shut down for nearly four years due to COVID – and was motoring towards a dream title defence.
But Korda, who has come off a months-long run of injury, had other plans as he moved through to the fourth round of a Masters for only the second time in his career.
The Florida-based winner said coming from setbacks made victory all the more special.
“It’s been a very difficult year for sure. I had a three-month pause when I was playing some of the best tennis of my career so far.
“It was difficult, but it’s a long journey and I’m happy with the way I played today.
“It’s definitely one of the biggest victories in my career for sure.”
Korda, son of a former Australian Open champion, saved three set points before claiming the opener in the tiebreaker and maintained pressure to run off with the victory in 88 minutes over No. 3 Medvedev.
“We played really good tennis from the beginning,” Korda said. “We had some long rallies.
“I’m just really happy to get that first set under my belt and then it was just a matter of getting into one of his service games and hopefully taking it home after.”
Korda beat Medvedev at the start of the season at the Australian Open.
Korda now plays for the quarter-finals against Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Marton Fucsovics 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Main photo:- Seb Korda defeating Daniil Medvedev in Shanghai Masters – by Pete Staples/ATPTour.com
