US Open Preview: Korda vs Paul in Delray Beach Showdown

Korda beats Cobolli

Sebastian Korda takes on Tommy Paul in the Delray Beach final. Korda seeks first ATP title since 2021, while Paul looks to defend his Stockholm win.

“I felt like I was really struggling to stay with him. I felt like he was doing everything a little bit better than me..”

Sebastian Korda and Tommy Paul will face off in an all-American final in Delray Beach, with Korda reaching his first ATP final in over a year. Korda beat third-seeded Flavio Cobolli 7-6(1), 6-1 to secure his spot in the title showdown.

“It was a great match,” Korda said. “I think I served pretty well. I didn't have too many pressure situations on my serve, and that opens up the returns.” Korda's strong performance sets the stage for an exciting final against Tommy Paul.

"I think I played a great tie-breaker, and then after that, I just started feeling the ball a little bit better, returning a little better and put some pressure on him.”

Korda dominated his semifinal match, serving impressively without facing a break point and hitting a dozen aces. This strong performance books his spot in the Delray Beach final for the second time, after finishing runner-up to Hubert Hurkacz in 2021.

Fifth-seeded Tommy Paul secured his spot in the final with a thrilling comeback win over Learner Tien, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, setting up an all-American showdown with Korda in the title match.

“I felt like I was really struggling to stay with him. I felt like he was doing everything a little bit better than me. I knew I had to mix things up and try to change the rhythm... I thought I did a great job mixing it up.”

Tommy Paul is riding a wave of momentum into the Delray Beach final, having lifted the Stockholm trophy in 2024. He snapped a 0-5 semi-final losing streak and is looking to add another title to his name.

Sebastian Korda after beating Flavio Cobolli in Delray Beach

“Sebastian congratulations. You’ve played Flavio 3 times. And you’ve had sex… success with him 3 times…”

Sebi: “He’s a good looking guy so, you know”

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

pic.twitter.com/c0bTHGfoeD

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 21, 2026

“He obviously was playing amazing tennis in the first (set),” Paul said about his opponent Learner Tien, acknowledging the challenge he faced. Paul has been working hard to overcome injuries, including a ruptured foot ligament and abdominal strain, making this final a significant milestone.