(Reuters) – Sebastian Korda’s disrupted build-up to the Australian Open didn’t seem to hinder his efficiency in the primary spherical of the Grand Slam as he dispatched British primary Cameron Norrie with relative ease on Monday.
The unseeded American examined optimistic for COVID-19 after touchdown in Adelaide earlier this month and was pressured to withdraw from two warm-up tournaments and was confined to hitting tennis balls in his lodge room whereas isolating.
Korda, 21, outclassed Norrie 6-3 6-0 6-4 to wrap up victory in round one hour and 40 minutes.
“It wasn’t simple. I did not get rather a lot of preparation, did not get any matches below my belt. But, yeah, simply tremendous proud of the best way I got here out,” stated Korda, son of former Australian Open winner Petr and brother of the LPGA’s primary golfer Nelly.
“I examined two days earlier than I got here to Australia, day earlier than I got here, after which on arrival I had a optimistic check. Luckily no signs, which was nice for me… I attempted to play tennis. It did not work out in some conditions.
“It’s all the time particular (enjoying in Australia) with rather a lot of historical past in the household right here, my dad successful right here after which each my sisters successful the Australian girls’s golf event. It’s rather a lot of success right here.”
Norrie’s preparations have been additionally disrupted after contracting COVID-19 over the Christmas break however the Briton stated he couldn’t work out particularly what went mistaken regardless of feeling good bodily.
The 26-year-old rose by the world rankings final 12 months and gained his first ATP title in Mexico however was unable to carry that type into the brand new 12 months.
“I believe that is perhaps my worst match in the final eight months or so,” Norrie stated. “I had per week off to put together, ready in addition to I might, and simply I used to be sluggish. I used to be lacking routine backhands, which I by no means miss.
“I actually cannot put a finger on it. I simply want to get higher and enhance. Lots to work on… (It’s) a disappointing method to begin the 12 months.”
(Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
