sebastian korda set for key test against Alex Michelsen in Delray Beach Day 3
Day 3 at the Delray Beach Open brings a must-watch second-round clash as Sebastian Korda takes on Alex Michelsen, a match that could offer an early gauge of where Korda stands after a mixed start to 2026. The afternoon session (ET) promises plenty of tension, with several other intriguing ties on the slate that could reshape momentum for the week.
Korda vs. Michelsen — form, matchup and prediction
Sebastian Korda arrives in Delray Beach having shown flashes of his best tennis in recent weeks. He pushed a top player to the limit in Dallas and, while he failed to close out that match, the performance offered encouraging signs that his timing and power are returning. Korda’s blend of flat, penetrating groundstrokes and an aggressive serve gives him a natural edge on the Delray hardcourts when he finds rhythm.
Alex Michelsen has been on a steady upward trajectory. His development has been marked by improving consistency and the ability to move opponents off the court, making him a dangerous low-seed opponent who can capitalize on any short ball. Michelsen’s short memory and tenacity make him a tough out; he’ll look to force quick, high-percentage exchanges and avoid extended baseline scrums where Korda can dictate with depth.
Key factors to watch: Korda’s serve efficiency and ability to take the ball early, and Michelsen’s return aggression and court positioning on defense. If Korda can maintain a high first-serve rate and convert break chances, his superior offensive tools should be decisive. If Michelsen finds a rhythm on return and pushes rallies to neutralize Korda’s power, the match could tilt toward the younger American.
Prediction: Korda in 3. Expect a competitive affair with momentum swings; if Korda reproduces the level he showed in Dallas, he has the edge, but Michelsen can extend rallies and force errors.
Other Day 3 picks and what they mean for the draw
Several other second-round clashes on Day 3 carry implications for the bottom half of the draw. Flavio Cobolli, seeded and still seeking early-season form, faces Terence Atmane. Cobolli’s 2026 ride has been uneven, and Atmane’s gritty baseline game and recent match sharpness make this a genuine pick’em. With Cobolli desperate for momentum, expect a three-set battle; a confident Atmane could pull off an upset.
In another match, a confident American figure who beat a veteran in straight sets looks poised to advance comfortably against a qualifier who has already put together a string of strong performances. That player’s recent win over a big-serving veteran should give him the belief to press forward, likely closing out the match in two tight sets.
A marquee encounter involving a clay-court specialist who has been focused on family life recently presents an intriguing test for a hard-court mover capable of pushing the favorite. Given the top player’s broader résumé, a win for the underdog would be an upset, but the head-to-head history suggests this could stretch to three sets.
What to watch as the week unfolds
Early-season tournaments often reveal fitness levels and mental sharpness more than pure ranking indicators. For Korda, the priority will be sustaining aggression without gifting free points. For the likes of Michelsen and Atmane, Day 3 is about seizing the growth window and building confidence before the bigger events roll in.
Expect tight margins on Delray’s courts. Players who convert break points and hold serve cleanly will gain the upper hand in a field that mixes established Top 30 threats with hungry breakout candidates. Day 3 should clarify which seeds are stabilizing form and which contenders are peaking early.
Match times and session assignments are being finalized for Day 3; fans should check the schedule in ET for exact start times. The outcomes here will be a telling barometer for who can make a deep run this week.
