Malta Independent

A busy Thursday in golf and tennis awaits the Korda family

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Nelly Korda keeps asking her parents if she can book their flight to watch her and her sister play in the LPGA's first major of the year this week.

She wants them there. She's equally thrilled that they're not there yet. And if they don't get there at all, that might be even better.

Let's explain: The Korda sisters — Jessica and Nelly — have made a name for themselves in golf already, and now their younger brother Sebastian is now having his breakout week in the tennis world. It'll make for a very busy Thursday for the family: Jessica and Nelly have the opening round of the ANA Inspiratio­n in California, while Sebastian has the biggest match of his young career in the Miami Open quarterfin­als.

The unexpected­ly jammed schedule created a Korda conundrum: What are the parents to do?

Sounds like he's getting his wish. For now, the plan is for Petr Korda and Regina Rajchrtová -both were pro tennis players, Petr once reaching No. 2 in the world and winning the Australian Open, Regina a top-30 player who represente­d Czechoslov­akia at the 1988 Seoul Olympics -- to stay in Miami, and keep an eye on their daughters from afar.

The sisters understand. "He's having a really good run," Nelly Korda said.

Jessica Korda is 28 and ranked No. 18 in the world; Nelly Korda, 22, is ranked No. 4 in the world. Sebastian Korda is the little brother, at least in terms of age — he's 20, but at 6-foot-5, he's certainly not little.

And his world ranking is getting up there as well; he was No. 224 at this time last year, No. 87 coming into Miami and is now assured of climbing into the 60s. He could even become the highestran­ked American man next week, if he wins the Miami title.

Korda towered over — and squeaked out a three-set win over — No. 5 seed Diego Schwartzma­n of Argentina in Tuesday's round of 16 match in Miami, their height difference most evident when they shook hands when it was over.

Schwartzma­n, listed at 5-foot-7, was highly compliment­ary after the match about the lone American man left in the Miami draw.

In fairness, the family's schedule rarely aligns.

It's hardly uncommon for the Korda kids to be playing on different continents at the same time, which means sleep cycles for their parents usually turn into a mess. And the siblings aren't around each other that often either, but the sisters know they'll be getting a text — often in all capital letters — from their brother on Thursday with some kind words to help them get through their round.

That's why they don't mind those cross-country flight tickets for their parents aren't needed quite yet. The LPGA tournament ends Sunday.

So does the Miami Open. If the sisters play their way into finalround contention, if their little brother wins a couple more matches, then that could be a day like none other for the Kordas.

"Hopefully they stay there," Nelly said.

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