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Match details
Fixture: (2) Rafael Nadal vs Sebastian Korda
Date: 4 October 2020
Tournament: Roland Garros 2020
Round: Fourth round (Round of 16)
Venue: Paris, France
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Red clay
Prize money: Approx. €38,000,000
Match timing: Approx. 1 pm CEST, 4.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - NBC Sports / Tennis Channel | India - Star Sports Select / Disney+ Hotstar VIP | Europe - Eurosport
Also check out: The Complete French Open 2020 Schedule
Rafael Nadal vs Sebastian Korda preview
After skipping the US Open and losing earlier than expected at the Italian Open, Rafael Nadal was expected to find things a little tricky at the French Open this year - especially given the new balls and the different weather conditions. But Nadal has dismissed those concerns with his dominating play in the first three rounds.
The Spaniard has given up just 19 games in his first three matches and is through to the last 16 without dropping a set, as he continues his quest for a record 13th French Open title.
Sebastian Korda on the other hand was better known as the son of former World No. 2 Petr Korda before this week. Korda Sr. had reached the French Open final in 1992, and won the Australian Open in 1998.
However, the 20-year-old has stepped out of his father's shadow with his breakthrough this week. Having never won a tour-level match prior to this week, Korda has come through the qualifying draw and reached the fourth round.
He has registered impressive wins over Italian veteran Andreas Seppi, the big-serving 21st seeded American John Isner and Spaniard Pedro Martinez in the process.
Rafael Nadal vs Sebastian Korda
head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between the two players and their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0. On a side note, Sebastian Korda is probably familiar with Rafael Nadal's game since he has grown up idolizing the Spanish legend, and even named his cat after him.
Rafael Nadal vs Sebastian Korda
prediction
While many might find it intimidating to play their idol on a court that they have been nearly invincible on, Sebastian Korda is not one of them. After his third-round win, he spoke about how much he is looking forward to playing Nadal.
"He’s one of the reasons I play tennis. Just watching him play, he's an unbelievable competitor. Just from him, I developed the never-give-up mentality. Whenever I’m on the court, I try to be like him. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Korda.
The American grew up playing on clay and knows how to play on the surface. But remains to be seen whether he manages to keep his nerve and bring out his best tennis against Nadal.
The Spaniard has looked incredibly sharp this week, extending his record to 95-2 at Roland Garros. He has now won 26 straight matches at his favorite event, and needless to say it is going to take an incredible effort to take him down here.
Korda probably doesn't have the experience or the match toughness yet to do that.
Prediction: Rafael Nadal to win in straight sets.
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What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
