“He’s Just Built Different”: Nelly Korda Calls Brother Sebastian the Family’s Best Athlete

In the world of elite sports, few families can rival the Kordas. Between golf champion Nelly Korda, tennis star Sebastian Korda, and their decorated athlete parents, the Korda family has built a dynasty of excellence. Yet in a recent interview that surprised and delighted fans, Nelly Korda — the world’s top-ranked female golfer — humbly admitted that her younger brother Sebastian might just be the best athlete in the family.

“I think Seb is built differently,” Nelly said with a laugh. “He’s got that natural explosiveness and coordination that makes everything look easy. He’s probably the most gifted athlete out of all of us.”

Her comment, delivered with a mix of pride and admiration, quickly went viral among fans of both golf and tennis — two sports where the Korda name has become synonymous with talent and success.

A Family of Champions

To understand why this statement carries so much weight, you have to look at the Korda family tree. Nelly and Sebastian were born into athletic greatness. Their father, Petr Korda, was a world-class tennis player who won the 1998 Australian Open and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2. Their mother, Regina Rajchrtová, was also a professional tennis player who represented Czechoslovakia in the Olympics.

Growing up in such an environment meant sports were more than just a pastime — they were a way of life. “Competition was always part of our childhood,” Nelly recalled in a previous interview. “But it was never about who was better. It was about pushing each other to grow.”

Nelly, the middle child, turned to golf at a young age and quickly made her mark. She rose through the amateur ranks and became an LPGA sensation, winning multiple titles, including a major championship and an Olympic gold medal. Sebastian, meanwhile, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming one of the brightest young stars on the ATP Tour.

Sibling Rivalry — and Mutual Admiration

While fans often imagine sibling competition behind the scenes, Nelly insists that their dynamic is rooted in mutual respect and support. “We’re each other’s biggest fans,” she said. “Seb’s texting me when I’m in tournaments, and I’m watching his matches whenever I can. We understand the pressure that comes with being at the top.”

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a little healthy rivalry. Nelly joked that their family group chats can get “a bit intense” during major tournaments. “We all tease each other, but in the end, it’s love. We want to see each other win.”

When asked why she considers Sebastian the best athlete in the family, Nelly elaborated: “He’s just got that explosive energy. Tennis requires such a combination of strength, speed, and agility — and Seb has all of it. He’s so quick, and his timing is unreal. Watching him play, you realize how talented he really is.”

Sebastian’s Rise in Tennis

At just 25 years old, Sebastian Korda has already established himself as one of the most promising American players on the ATP Tour. Known for his fluid strokes, calm demeanor, and strategic intelligence, he’s earned praise from legends like Andre Agassi and Novak Djokovic.

Despite injuries that have occasionally interrupted his momentum, Korda’s potential remains undeniable. His breakout performances at tournaments like the Australian Open and Wimbledon have cemented his status as a future contender for Grand Slam titles.

“I want to make my own mark,” Sebastian has said. “Having a family full of athletes is motivating, not intimidating. We all have different paths, and that’s what makes it special.”

That mindset — humble yet driven — is something Nelly clearly admires. “Seb’s always been calm under pressure,” she said. “He plays with a quiet confidence. That’s something I try to learn from him.”

Two Worlds, One Work Ethic

Though golf and tennis demand very different skill sets, the Korda siblings share a similar approach to their craft: discipline, patience, and relentless hard work. Both grew up understanding that talent alone isn’t enough.

“Our parents taught us the importance of work ethic,” Nelly explained. “They never pushed us into one sport — they just made sure we gave 100% to whatever we chose.”

That upbringing has shaped their outlook on success. For the Kordas, it’s not about trophies or rankings; it’s about continuous growth. “We don’t compare ourselves,” Nelly said. “We all know how much sacrifice goes into what we do. That’s why we respect each other so much.”

Interestingly, the siblings often cross-train together during the off-season. Nelly sometimes joins Sebastian’s tennis workouts to improve her agility, while he tries golf as a mental challenge. “He’s actually pretty good at golf,” Nelly admitted. “Of course, he’ll tell you he can beat me — but that’s not happening anytime soon.”

Family First

Behind the spotlight, the Korda family remains remarkably grounded. Whether they’re attending each other’s events or spending downtime in Florida, they prioritize family above all else. “It doesn’t matter if you’re ranked No. 1 or No. 100,” Nelly said. “At home, you’re just part of the family. We cook, we laugh, we play with our dogs — it’s simple.”

Their parents continue to play a guiding role, though now more as mentors than coaches. “They understand the ups and downs better than anyone,” Nelly said. “They’ve lived it.”

Humility in Greatness

Nelly’s comment about Sebastian being “the best athlete in the family” speaks volumes not only about her humility but also about the deep respect that binds the Korda siblings. It’s rare to see elite athletes so quick to celebrate someone else’s success, especially within their own family.

Fans have responded warmly to her honesty. Social media flooded with comments praising Nelly for her graciousness, with one fan writing, “That’s what makes the Kordas special — talent runs deep, but so does love.”

As both Nelly and Sebastian continue their careers — one chasing golf’s biggest titles, the other climbing tennis’s grandest stages — their mutual admiration serves as a reminder that greatness isn’t just about personal glory. It’s about lifting others along the way.

“He pushes me to be better,” Nelly concluded. “When I see how hard he works, how passionate he is — it motivates me. We inspire each other, and that’s what family’s all about.”