On July 5, 2025, Nelly Korda celebrated her brother Sebastian Korda’s 25th birthday with a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, featuring a photo of him fishing on a boat. As the World No. 1 golfer, Nelly’s tribute highlights their close sibling bond and her hopes for Sebastian’s continued success.
Sebastian Korda, who currently holds the No. 33 spot in the ATP men’s singles rankings, has made significant progress in tennis since reaching a career-high of No. 15 last year. The siblings frequently support each other during their sporting events, reinforcing a strong family connection. Nelly’s message expressed her wishes as Sebastian marks this important personal milestone.
Sibling Careers in Golf and Tennis Take Different Directions
While Sebastian remains an emerging figure in tennis, Nelly and her sister Jessica have built their careers in professional golf. Their parents, Regina and Petr Korda, were both accomplished tennis players—Regina once ranked among the top 30, and Petr claimed the 1998 Australian Open title.
Despite this tennis legacy, Nelly revealed in a recent interview on Talks at GS with David Solomon that their parents preferred they avoid tennis to prevent direct comparisons. Instead, their father introduced them to golf, which became a shared family activity.
“They did not want us to play tennis at all. They thought that we were going to get compared to them and their careers. My dad, when he stopped playing, he picked up golf and it was something that we could all do together. No matter how big your family is, like you could all be hitting golf balls. You can all be on the putting green playing competitions against each other. And tennis is so one on one,” Nelly said. —Nelly Korda, Golfer
This switch to golf has proven successful for Nelly, who turned professional in 2016 and has since earned 15 LPGA victories, including an Olympic gold medal. In 2024 alone, she secured seven LPGA Tour titles. However, she is still pursuing her first win of the 2025 season after 10 tournament starts.
Recent Highlights and Upcoming Events for the Korda Siblings
Most recently, Nelly competed at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, finishing tied for 19th place. She is scheduled to participate in the Amundi Evian Championship, the season’s fourth major, taking place from July 10 to 13 at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France.
On the other hand, Sebastian has been sidelined with an injury and was last seen competing at the 2025 French Open. Despite this setback, his ranking and past performance signal strong potential in the coming seasons. Nelly’s support and their shared determination underscore the siblings’ resilience and commitment to their sports.
The Continuing Journey of Two Talented Athletes
Nelly Korda celebrates brother Sebastian not only as a family member but also as a fellow competitor rising in his sport. Their intertwined journeys reflect both individual achievements and mutual encouragement. As Nelly prepares for upcoming challenges on the golf course, Sebastian’s recovery and return to tennis will be closely watched by fans and supporters alike, promising continued excitement in the worlds of golf and tennis.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Nelly Korda have surgery?
A. Korda doesn’t have many weaknesses, but she has experienced health problems. In 2022, she had surgery to remove a blood clot in a vein in her left arm.
Q. Is Nelly Korda rich?
A. Sportico.com recently published a list of the top-paid female athletes worldwide. Korda is ranked 8th, with approximately $14.4 million in earnings. This amount includes $4.4 million from her numerous wins on the golf course, and the remaining money comes from endorsements.