Korda Stuns Alcaraz at Miami Open, Prolonging Spaniard’s Hard Court Struggles

MIAMI, FL – In a stunning upset at the Miami Open presented by Itaú on Sunday, Sebastian Korda defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, marking a significant milestone in the American’s career and raising questions about Alcaraz’s form heading into the clay court season. The victory, Korda’s first against a top-ranked opponent, sends him into the fourth round of the tournament and continues a frustrating trend for Alcaraz in Miami.

The match, a rollercoaster of momentum swings, saw Korda utilize his all-court game to disrupt Alcaraz’s rhythm. Alcaraz, fresh off a semifinal loss to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells, appeared limited physically and struggled to locate his usual dominance. This defeat extends a concerning pattern for the Spaniard, who has now lost two of his last three matches after a dominant 16-0 start to 2026.

Korda’s All-Court Game Proves Too Much

Korda, 25, demonstrated a masterful blend of power, finesse, and tactical awareness throughout the match. He consistently challenged Alcaraz with a variety of shots, including a deadly slice and well-timed volleys, forcing the Spaniard out of his comfort zone. According to reports from the match, Korda’s ability to handle Alcaraz’s second serves, often directed at his body, was a key factor in gaining the upper hand. He easily handled those serves, putting Alcaraz on his back foot in service game after service game.

The American’s composure under pressure was also evident, particularly after failing to serve out the match at 5-4 in the second set. He regrouped impressively, showcasing a mental fortitude that has often been lacking in his past performances. “I took the scenic route, that’s for sure,” Korda said, as reported by the ATP Tour. “There was a little more stress than I would want, but I’m happy with how I played, happy with how I stayed with it. I kept believing. I got myself in some nasty situations, but I kept going and played really well in the end.”

Alcaraz Struggles with Consistency

While Alcaraz displayed flashes of brilliance, including a spectacular running forehand topspin lob that thrilled the stadium crowd, he ultimately lacked the consistency needed to overcome Korda’s challenge. A low first-serve percentage (60% according to the Modern York Times) and a series of second serves at Korda’s body proved detrimental. The Spaniard also appeared visibly frustrated at times, even exclaiming “I’m going home, I’m going home” during a tense exchange, signaling his growing desperation.

Despite a spirited comeback in the second set, where he saved break points and ultimately won the set 7-5, Alcaraz couldn’t maintain the momentum. Korda broke Alcaraz’s serve in the second set and had a chance to close out the match, but Alcaraz fought back, demonstrating the resilience that has defined his career. Yet, the American ultimately prevailed, securing the decisive break in the third set and closing out the match with a composed service game.

A Historic Victory for Korda

This victory represents the biggest win of Sebastian Korda’s career. He is the lowest-ranked man to defeat Alcaraz since David Goffin upset the Spaniard in Miami last year. The win also marks a significant step forward for Korda, who has battled injuries throughout his career, hindering his progress. A right shin stress fracture sidelined him for two-and-a-half months in 2025, causing his ranking to drop to No. 86. This result demonstrates his potential when fully fit and healthy.

Korda will now face either 14th seed Karen Khachanov or qualifier Martin Landaluce in the fourth round, seeking to match his best result in Miami, where he reached the quarter-finals in both 2021 and 2025. The match will be a test of his endurance and consistency as he aims to continue his impressive run at the tournament.

Alcaraz Faces Questions Ahead of Clay Court Season

For Carlos Alcaraz, this defeat marks a disappointing end to the hard court swing. Following his semifinal loss to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells, this early exit in Miami raises concerns about his form and preparation for the upcoming clay court season. He will necessitate to address the issues that plagued him in these matches – particularly his serve consistency and physical conditioning – if he hopes to defend his title at the Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo, where he was victorious in 2025.

The Spaniard will undoubtedly analyze his performance and make adjustments as he transitions to the clay. The clay court season is crucial for Alcaraz, as he has a significant number of points to defend, starting with Monte Carlo. His ability to regain his form and confidence will be vital as he aims to maintain his position at the top of the ATP rankings.

The Miami Open continues with fourth-round action, and all eyes will be on Sebastian Korda as he looks to build on this monumental victory. For Carlos Alcaraz, the focus shifts to regrouping and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead on the clay.

Next Up: Korda will await the winner of the match between Karen Khachanov and Martin Landaluce to determine his quarterfinal opponent. Alcaraz will head to Europe to begin preparations for the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, starting April 6th.

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