Rod Laver names Sebastian Korda favourite to take out the Australian Open NOT Novak Djokovic

Australian tennis icon Rod Laver has revealed that emerging star Sebastian Korda is now his favourite to take out the Australian Open.

Laver, who is one of the greatest players of all time, has backed the 22-year-old giant-killer to go all the way after watching him outplay Daniil Medvedev on Friday night. 

Laver, who is one of the greatest players of all time, has backed the 22-year-old giant-killer to go all the way after watching him outplay Daniil Medvedev on Friday night

Korda, the son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr, is having an outstanding start to the season that saw him almost beat Novak Djokovic in the Adelaide International final.

‘There’s one guy – I think Korda. He beat Medvedev (on Friday night). And I think he’s the one who will be one of your next champions out there,’ said Laver.

‘There’s four or five others that are 18 years of age, 19, and they’re getting the experience and getting to play down here.’

The eleven-time Grand Slam star sees a very bright future for the young American.

Korda, the son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr, is having an outstanding start to the season that saw him almost beat Novak Djokovic in the Adelaide International final

‘He’s been a great young player,’ said Laver.

‘Once you get past playing some of these also-ran players (it’s one thing), but then when you’re up against Medvedev, and you still perform and compete – you’re prepared to put the effort in. I think I see him going a long way.’

Medvedev, who many tipped to take out the tournament this year, was also in awe of the young star.

‘His game (is) kind of different from everybody because very aggressive and very early he takes the ball,’ said the Russian after the loss.

 ‘A little bit maybe like Novak (Djokovic). But, yeah, well, not every player is capable of doing that, so that’s beautiful and that.’

Medvedev, who many tipped to take out the tournament this year, was also in awe of the young star who knocked him out of the tournament

Korda says he loves visiting Australia and that his match against Medvedev is one of his best ever.

‘Probably one of the better matches I’ve played in my career,’ Korda said.

‘Just stuck with the game plan, kept going after it. No matter what happened, kept pushing forward.’

 Korda has previously reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and the French Open and the will now meet Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in a final-16 match on Sunday.

Holger Rune (pictured) has stated that he wants to realise his dreams at the Australian Open this year and has booked a fourth-round clash with Andrey Rublev at Melbourne Park

Canadian Auger-Aliassime has progressed to the last 16 of the tournament for the third year in a row and will play Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka for a place in the quarter-finals

Two other youngsters who are having an outstanding tournament are Holger Rune, 19, and Félix Auger-Aliassime, 22.

Rune has stated that he wants to realise his dreams at the Australian Open this year and has booked a blockbuster fourth-round clash with Andrey Rublev at Melbourne Park.

Canadian Auger-Aliassime has progressed to the last 16 of the tournament for the third year in a row and will play Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka for a place in the quarter-finals.

Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas is one to watch this year and will be playing Italian Jannik Sinner on Sunday in his quest for a maiden grand slam at the Australian Open.

Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas is one to watch this year and will be playing Italian Jannik Sinner on Sunday in his quest for a maiden grand slam at the Australian Open

Tsitsipas has a 4-1 record against Sinner, including a straight-sets quarter-final victory at last year’s Open.

Melbourne’s strong ties to the Greek community are well-known, and Tsitsipas has often remarked at how much he enjoys making the trip down under.

The No. 1 Greek is having so much fun in Australia this year that he’s thinking about moving to Melbourne. 

‘If there are any real estate brokers or agencies, please let me know,’ he said to the crowd after his last straight sets win against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.