Korda masters the wind in Delray to secure second career title
Sebastian Korda won the trophy on Sunday night against Tommy Paul
Sebastian Korda, 2026 | © Imago / PsNewz
Sebastian Korda reclaimed his status among the American elite on Sunday night, battling through grueling conditions to defeat Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3 and lift the Delray Beach Open trophy. The victory marks Korda’s second ATP singles title and a triumphant return to the winner’s circle at a tournament where he finished as runner-up in 2021.
The final was played under very tough and windy conditions, which played havoc with ball tosses and baseline timing. For much of the opening set, the two Americans were locked in a tactical stalemate, with the scoreboard remaining perfectly balanced until 4-4.
The definitive shift occurred in the ninth game when Korda’s depth forced a series of errors from Paul, allowing the world No. 50 to secure the crucial first break and serve out the set 6-4.
Korda back in the Top 40
Paul, who spent over two hours on court in a physical semifinal against Learner Tien the previous night, appeared to find a second wind early in the second set. He broke Korda in the opening game to take a 1-0 lead, but the advantage was short-lived.
Paul’s legs seemed to heavy as the set progressed—likely a result of his marathon run to the final – and Korda took full advantage. The 25-year-old broke back immediately and won six of the final eight games to seal the championship.
With this title, Korda is projected to move back into the world’s top 40, a significant boost after a season hampered by inconsistency. His path to the trophy was one of the most difficult in recent memory, featuring a massive upset of second seed Casper Ruud and a clinical semifinal win over Flavio Cobolli. Paul, despite the loss, leaves Florida having avenged his 2024 final defeat by ousting top seed Taylor Fritz earlier in the week.
