With "big brother" Stepanek steering the ship, Sebastian Korda motivated to deliver strong 2022 finish

TEL AVIV—Sebastian Korda may hail from the Sunshine State. And this week, he may be in a city providing a sense of home through a familiar climate. Even so, it’s still not the preferred habitat for this Bradenton, Fla. native.

“I love the beach, but I don't really go there too often. I actually like the cold a lot more than the warmth,” he tells TENNIS.com in Tel Aviv. “But it's nice for the body, too. Getting good vibes all around here.”

Visiting Israel for the first time, the 22-year-old has enjoyed the juxtaposition of a unique tournament setting. Hot temperatures outside afford strolls along Tel Aviv’s renowned beaches when off the clock. When it comes to the job, an expo center with the AC cranked up are the daily working conditions.

“It’s not often that we have an indoor event when it's blazing hot outside, so it's an interesting week,” he says. “it's beautiful and just having fun, you know? It's a place I've always wanted to go to. Definitely would love to go to Jerusalem or the Dead Sea after this week.”

Following the US Open, Korda went home for a training block. Looking to finish 2022 on a high note as the ATP calendar eases into one of his favorite swings, Korda has Radek Stepanek here in a leading role—the Czech was initially spotted in his box at Roland Garros earlier this year. Their strong rapport stretches back his childhood watching father Petr guide Stepanek for 13 years on the ATP Tour, a collaboration that ultimately piqued young Sebi’s interest to change his stick of choice—from hockey to tennis.

“He's like a big brother to me. We always have good time off the court and always a good time on court,” he says. “So it's a great addition to my team and he's kind of steering the ship now. My dad is more of a dad now.”

Playing his first tournament since New York, Korda picked up a pair of wins in Metz on his way to the quarterfinals. Falling to Lorenzo Sonego last Friday, he stayed up for Roger Federer’s final match and subsequent retirement ceremony to simply appreciate the moment. Looking forward, with a couple years at the tour level under his belt now, the American senses an opening to capitalize on the fourth quarter of the season.

“A lot of guys are tired. They can see their vacation coming,” he believes. “It's kind of a great time to really focus, stay disciplined and just keep on fighting. You can always have some good results towards the end of the year.”

On Tuesday, Korda opened his campaign at the Tel Aviv Watergen Open with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Cem İlkel in lining up a first-time meeting with countryman Maxime Cressy. The two are scheduled to face off Wednesday afternoon.