ATP Delray Beach: Korda Dominates Paul to Claim Third Title at Home

On February 23rd Beijing time, the ATP250 Delray Beach tournament concluded its final match, with 25-year-old American Korda defeating the 5th seed Paul 6-4, 6-3 in this all-American showdown. This marks Korda's first title since the 2024 Washington Open and the third singles title of his professional career on the tour.

Back in 2021 at Delray Beach, Korda reached his first ATP singles final here but lost to Hurkacz in the championship match. Five years later, Korda has advanced further by becoming the ninth American to win this event in its history. With this victory, Korda climbs 10 spots to No. 40 in the latest rankings, having previously reached his career-high of No. 15 in August 2024.

“This title means a lot to me. Over the past months and years, I’ve been through a lot,” Korda said after the match, reflecting on his two-month break last year due to a tibial fracture between the French Open and Winston-Salem Open. “I’ve lost many finals, so winning here in Delray Beach, where I first reached an ATP final, feels very special. I’m really happy.”

Entering the tournament unseeded, Korda first upset compatriots McDonald and Mickelson in the opening rounds. On his path to the trophy, he then consecutively defeated seeded players Ruud, Khachanov, and Paul, underscoring the high quality of this championship. The men's doubles title was claimed by second seeds Krajicek and Mektić, who narrowly defeated the local wildcard pair Kytay and Siegman 6-7(3), 6-3, 11-9 in the final.

Korda’s Road to the Title

First Round: 6-4, 7-5 vs. McDonald [W]

Second Round: 6-3, 7-6(6) vs. Mickelson

Quarterfinals: 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 vs. Ruud [2]

Semifinals: 7-6(1), 6-1 vs. Khachanov [3]

Final: 6-4, 6-3 vs. Paul [5]

(Text and Editing by Wang Fei, Photos by Visual China)