Sensation in Miami: Alcaraz Upset by Korda

MIAMI, FL – In a stunning upset at the Miami Open presented by Itau, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz was defeated by American Sebastian Korda on Sunday, falling in the fourth round after a hard-fought three-set match. The final score was 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, marking a significant early exit for the Spaniard and a career-defining victory for Korda.

The match, played under the Florida sunshine, saw Korda, currently ranked No. 36, deliver a performance that showcased resilience and tactical intelligence. Alcaraz, who had begun 2026 with a remarkable 16-0 record before recent losses, struggled to maintain his dominance against a determined opponent. This marks Alcaraz’s earliest loss at a tournament this season, following a semi-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells.

Korda’s ‘Scenic Route’ to Victory

Korda’s path to victory wasn’t without its challenges. After initially serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set, he faced a spirited comeback from Alcaraz, dropping five consecutive games. However, the American regrouped impressively, demonstrating mental fortitude to secure the decisive break in the third set. “I took the scenic route, that’s for sure,” Korda said after the match, acknowledging the rollercoaster nature of the contest. “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.”

This victory is particularly significant for Korda, representing his first win against a World No. 1 player. He is now the lowest-ranked player to defeat Alcaraz since David Goffin achieved the feat in Miami last year. Korda’s recent form is strong; he won the Delray Beach tournament just a month prior to this Miami Open triumph.

Alcaraz’s Struggles and a Shift in Momentum

Alcaraz, despite a strong start to the year, has now lost two of his last three matches. His recent form raises questions about his consistency as the clay court season approaches. The Spaniard had previously dispatched Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca in straight sets at the Miami Open, but the challenge posed by Korda proved to be a different proposition. Alcaraz’s ability to fend off a match point in the second set demonstrated his fighting spirit, but ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome Korda’s determined play.

The match lasted two hours and 19 minutes, a testament to the physical and mental battle between the two players. Korda’s ability to withstand Alcaraz’s power and precision, coupled with his own aggressive serving, proved to be the key to his success. He served exceptionally well throughout the match, consistently putting pressure on Alcaraz’s return game.

A Tactical Shift for Korda

Interestingly, Korda revealed a surprising tactical approach that contributed to his victory. He explained that he and his coach, Ryan Harrison, deliberately focused on playing “average” tennis, avoiding the temptation to overhit or attempt overly ambitious shots. “I’ve gone through a lot of things, you know, I’ve played a lot of great players. I haven’t really been able to get it done, but I felt always when I was playing these top players that I would kind of just start spraying the ball and try to do a little bit too much than I really demand to do,” Korda explained. “And with Ryan [Harrison], we sat down and our goal today was to play average. It was just have an average ball. Don’t try to do too much with it because that’s when you kind of get in trouble.”

This strategy, aimed at minimizing errors and forcing Alcaraz to build mistakes, proved remarkably effective. Korda focused on consistent ball striking and aggressive serving, taking the point into his own hands whenever possible. He acknowledged Alcaraz’s all-around game, stating, “He’s unbelievable in every aspect of his game. The movement, volleys, forehand, backhand, there’s nothing he can’t do.”

What’s Next for Korda and Alcaraz?

Korda will now face either 14th seed Karen Khachanov or 20-year-old qualifier Martin Landaluce in the fourth round, bidding to match his best result in Miami, having reached the quarter-finals in both 2021 and 2025. This represents a significant opportunity for Korda to further solidify his position among the top players in the world.

For Alcaraz, this defeat is a setback, but it’s unlikely to derail his overall ambitions for the season. He will undoubtedly analyze this match and look to refine his game ahead of the upcoming clay court swing. The loss does, however, provide an opportunity for Jannik Sinner, currently ranked No. 2, to close the gap in the ATP rankings. Sinner is scheduled to play Corentin Moutet (ATP 33) in the third round on Monday.

The Miami Open continues to deliver thrilling moments, and Korda’s stunning victory over Alcaraz will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the tournament’s highlights. The result underscores the unpredictable nature of professional tennis and the potential for upsets, even at the highest level of the sport.