Alcaraz and Sabalenka Advance at Rain-Disrupted Miami Open
MIAMI, FL – March 22, 2026 – Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka both secured victories at the Miami Open on Friday, navigating challenging conditions as rain continued to disrupt the second Masters 1000 tournament of the season. Although the top seeds progressed, the day also saw a notable upset from Spain’s Martín Landaluce and a frustrating injury retirement for Cristina Bucsa.
Alcaraz Overcomes Fonseca, Faces Korda Next
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz dispatched young Brazilian prospect Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-4 in a match lasting one hour and 29 minutes. Despite strong support for Fonseca from the crowd, Alcaraz demonstrated his experience and consistency, breaking serve at the start of each set to establish control. The Spaniard finished with an impressive 26 winners, overcoming 22 unforced errors, while Fonseca managed 14 winners and 19 errors. Alcaraz saved three break points and converted two of his five opportunities.
The victory sets up a third-round clash with American Sebastian Korda, who earlier defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-0, 6-3. Alcaraz will be looking to improve on previous performances at the Miami Open, where he has faced early exits in the past. This win, marked by his aggressive shot-making, suggests a stronger showing this year.
Sabalenka Battles Past Li, Expresses Scheduling Concerns
Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, faced a tougher test against Ann Li, ultimately prevailing 7-6(5), 6-4 in a match that lasted one hour and 43 minutes. The Belarusian, fresh off a title win in Indian Wells, found herself challenged by Li’s resistance, struggling at times to convert break point opportunities. However, Sabalenka’s power proved decisive in key moments, allowing her to advance to the next round.
The match was not without its complications. Sabalenka revealed her surprise at the scheduling options presented to her by tournament organizers, which included the possibility of rescheduling or moving to a smaller court. “I was actually shocked that they were considering cancelling my match,” Sabalenka said, questioning why Alcaraz and Fonseca’s match wasn’t adjusted instead. She ultimately chose to play on Friday to secure a day of rest and preparation for her next opponent, Caty McNally.
Landaluce Stuns Darderi, Argentinian Contingent Faces Mixed Results
The biggest surprise of the day came from Spain’s Martín Landaluce, ranked No. 151, who defeated Italy’s Luciano Darderi in three sets, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4. This marks Landaluce’s first time reaching the third round of a Masters 1000 tournament, a significant milestone in his young career. He will now face a formidable challenge in the form of Russia’s Karen Khachanov.
The day brought mixed fortunes for the Argentinian players. Thiago Agustín Tirante secured a hard-fought victory after a grueling match lasting over three hours against Valentin Royer. However, Sebastián Báez, Mariano Navone, and Camilo Ugo Carabelli all suffered defeats, eliminating them from the tournament. Tirante will now face compatriot Francisco Cerúndolo in a domestic showdown.
Rain Continues to Impact Tournament Schedule
The Miami Open has been significantly affected by inclement weather. Play was suspended several times on Friday, and eight matches were postponed from Friday to Saturday due to the rain. The disruptions have led to a congested schedule and challenging conditions for players, as evidenced by Sabalenka’s concerns about scheduling. The tournament organizers are working to catch up, but further delays are possible.
Bucsa Retires Due to Injury
Spain’s Cristina Bucsa was forced to retire from her match due to an injury, adding to the list of players impacted by unforeseen circumstances at the tournament. Details regarding the nature of her injury were not immediately available.
The Miami Open continues to unfold amidst unpredictable conditions, with top players navigating both on-court challenges and logistical hurdles. Fans can expect further updates and results as the tournament progresses.
What’s Next: Play is expected to resume Saturday with a packed schedule as tournament officials attempt to clear the backlog of matches. Keep an eye on Archysport for live updates and analysis as the tournament progresses.
