Quietly, graciously, Petr Korda has given his time and his energy.
Causes have been his concern, helping his hallmark. And the former Australian Open champion has never failed to step up and be counted when asked to lend a hand to raise money or awareness when it comes to the All-Star Children’s Foundation. “Every time we have done something, he has been right there to jump in and help us out as far as exhibitions,” Longboat Key Tennis & Resort Director of Tennis John Woods said about Korda’s support of the foundation over the years. “(Korda) does so much that people never even see,” said Tony Driscoll, tournament director for the Sarasota Open, a USTA pro tournament to be played May 9-16 at the Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key & Resort. Tennis fans will get a glimpse of what Korda has done on May 9 when he is honored during a day when the All-Star Children’s Foundation local tournament and the qualifying tournament for the Sarasota Open are played simultaneously. Korda, Taylor Dent and two players still to be determined will play in an exhibition match at 5 p.m. on that day and Korda will then be recognized for his support over the years. Not only has Korda, a longtime Bradenton resident, participated in exhibition matches but he has recruited players like Radek Stepanek to play and help raise money for the foundation that is dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse, neglect and abandonment.
Korda, born in Prague, rose to No. 2 in the world and reached the final of four Grand Slam events during his career.