MIAMI, FL – In a stunning upset at the Miami Open presented by Itau on Sunday, Sebastian Korda defeated World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, securing his place in the fourth round. The victory marks the biggest win of Korda’s career and is the first time he has defeated a top-ranked player.
The American’s triumph over Alcaraz, verified by reports from the ATP Tour and Tennis.com, wasn’t without drama. Korda initially served for the match at 5-4 in the second set but faced a spirited comeback from the Spaniard, dropping five consecutive games. Although, he regrouped impressively to close out the match in two hours and 19 minutes.
“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 finish.”
This win is particularly significant as Korda is the lowest-ranked man – currently No. 36 in the PIF ATP Rankings – to defeat Alcaraz since David Goffin upset the Spaniard in Miami last year. Alcaraz had begun 2026 with a perfect 16-0 record before suffering losses to Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells and now Korda in Miami.
The match unfolded with Korda dominating the first set, showcasing a powerful serve that proved challenging for Alcaraz to handle. The second set saw a shift in momentum, with Alcaraz battling back from a deficit to grab the lead. The decisive third set was a tight affair, with Korda capitalizing on a break point opportunity to gain the upper hand and ultimately secure the victory.
Korda’s serve was a key factor throughout the match, particularly in the final set where he landed over 70% of his first serves and lost only six points on that shot, according to reports. The conditions – a daytime session with temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius – also appeared to favor Korda’s aggressive serving style.
What we have is the second time Korda has defeated Alcaraz in his career, having previously won against the Spaniard on clay in Monte Carlo. However, this victory carries added weight as it’s his first against a World No. 1.
For Alcaraz, the loss represents an early exit from the Miami Open for the second consecutive year. While his performance in Indian Wells – reaching the semi-finals – showed promise, this result raises questions as he prepares for the clay court season. He will need to quickly refocus as he defends his titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, and Roland Garros, where his No. 1 ranking will be on the line.
Looking ahead, Korda will face either 14th seed Karen Khachanov or 20-year-old qualifier Martin Landaluce in the fourth round, aiming to match his best result in Miami, where he reached the quarter-finals in both 2021 and 2025. Korda’s recent return to form, after missing two-and-a-half months last year with a right shin stress fracture, demonstrates his potential when fully fit.
The win over Alcaraz is a significant milestone for the young American, solidifying his position as a rising star in the world of men’s tennis. It also serves as a reminder that even the most dominant players can be vulnerable on any given day.
Korda’s next match will be a crucial test as he continues his run at the Miami Open. Fans can follow updates on the official ATP Tour website (https://www.atptour.com/) and Tennis.com (https://www.tennis.com/) for schedules and results.
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