MELBOURNE : American Sebastian Korda said Sunday's fourth-round Australian Open win over Hubert Hurkacz was an early birthday present for his father Petr, who won his only Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park in 1998.Young gun Korda defeated Polish 10th seed Hurkacz 3-6 6-3 6-2 1-6 7-6 (10-7) in a thrilling contest, reaching the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
After the win, Korda said he spoke to his family back home in the United States. "It's difficult, but I always got their time on my watch.
That's been helping a ton," the 22-year-old told reporters."My parents, they were up... just got off the phone with them. They're going to try to go to bed.
My dad's birthday is tomorrow here. Early birthday present in a way."Korda, who will next face Karen Khachanov, said every time he walks to Rod Laver Arena, he reaches out for the picture of his father Petr and compatriot Andre Agassi, who won three titles at the season-opening Grand Slam."Every single time I walk by, I always give him like a little fist pump.