Tennis Star Sebastian Korda Laughs Off Interviewer's 'Sex' Slip-Up

Korda chuckles as interviewer Michelle Yu accidentally asks about 'sex' with opponent Flavio Cobolli.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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During a post-match interview at the Delray Beach Open, American tennis player Sebastian Korda laughed off a slip of the tongue from interviewer Michelle Yu, who accidentally asked Korda about 'having sex' with his opponent Flavio Cobolli, instead of 'having success' against him. Korda, 25, took the gaffe in stride and jokingly replied that Cobolli is 'a good-looking guy.' Korda went on to win the Delray Beach Open title, his first of the year.

Why it matters

The lighthearted exchange between Korda and the interviewer provided an amusing moment that captured the fun and personality of professional tennis. While minor gaffes happen in live interviews, Korda's gracious response helped diffuse the situation and keep the focus on his on-court accomplishments.

The details

During a post-match interview after his semifinal win against Italy's Flavio Cobolli, interviewer Michelle Yu accidentally asked Korda, 'You've played Flavio three times and you've had sex — success with him all three times. Why is it that you have had such success?' Korda, who was clearly amused, started laughing as Yu finished her question. He then cheekily replied, 'He's a good-looking guy, so...' Korda went on to defeat fellow American Tommy Paul in the final to claim his first title of the year at the Delray Beach Open.

  • Korda defeated Cobolli in the Delray Beach Open semifinal on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • Korda defeated Paul in the Delray Beach Open final on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Sebastian Korda

A 25-year-old American tennis player currently ranked world No. 40, and the younger brother of LPGA star Nelly Korda.

Michelle Yu

An Emmy-winning journalist and host who was interviewing Korda after his semifinal win at the Delray Beach Open.

Flavio Cobolli

A professional Italian tennis player who Korda defeated in the Delray Beach Open semifinal.

Tommy Paul

An American tennis player who Korda defeated in the Delray Beach Open final.

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What they’re saying

“You've played Flavio three times and you've had sex — success with him all three times. Why is it that you have had such success?”

— Michelle Yu, Interviewer

“He's a good-looking guy, so...”

— Sebastian Korda

“[It means] a lot. I've been through some stuff the past couple of months, years. I've lost a lot of finals and now to get one here in Delray — this is where I made my first ATP final — so it's like a full-circle day. I'm just happy.”

— Sebastian Korda (ATP Tour)

“Grow through what you go through.”

— Sebastian Korda (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This lighthearted exchange between Korda and the interviewer showcased the fun and personality of professional tennis, while also highlighting Korda's gracious response in handling a minor gaffe during a live interview.