Landaluce Stuns Korda, Reaches Miami Open Quarterfinals
MIAMI, FL – In a stunning upset at the 2026 Miami Open presented by Itau, Spanish qualifier Martín Landaluce has reached the quarterfinals, defeating American Sebastian Korda 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-4. The 20-year-old Landaluce saved one match point in a nearly two-and-a-half-hour battle on Tuesday, continuing a remarkable run at the ATP Masters 1000 event held at the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins.
Landaluce’s victory is particularly noteworthy as he is the lowest-ranked quarterfinalist at the Miami Open since 1994, when Jim Grabb reached the final eight as the world No. 185. He is also the first player born in 2006 or later to reach the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000 tournament, marking a significant breakthrough for the rising star.
From Qualifiers to Quarterfinals: A Dream Run
The journey to the quarterfinals hasn’t been simple for Landaluce. He entered the tournament needing to qualify, and has now secured four consecutive victories, a feat that has propelled him up the PIF ATP Live Rankings. He’s currently up 48 places to No. 103, a testament to his performance in Miami. The Spaniard’s resilience was on full display against Korda, particularly in the second set tiebreak where he faced a match point.
“My grandmother,” Landaluce said when asked about his emotions after the win. “She [would have been] 101 last week, and she passed away a few months ago. I wanted to give her the victory.” This personal dedication adds another layer to Landaluce’s inspiring story.
Korda’s Momentum Halted After Alcaraz Victory
Korda entered the match brimming with confidence after a significant upset of his own, having defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round. However, Landaluce managed to shift the momentum late in the second set, ultimately prevailing in a hard-fought contest. The match showcased Landaluce’s ability to perform under pressure, stepping in to hit a clean backhand winner when facing elimination.
The win for Landaluce can also be seen as a form of “revenge” for his countryman, Alcaraz, who was previously defeated by Korda. While not explicitly stated as a motivating factor, the timing of the victory adds an interesting dynamic to the tournament.
Landaluce’s Rising Profile and Future Prospects
Prior to the Miami Open, Landaluce had not secured a tour-level win in 2026. His current form suggests a player rapidly gaining confidence and adapting to the demands of professional tennis. He reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 110 in October 2025, and his performance in Miami is poised to further elevate his standing.
Landaluce has trained at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy since his childhood, a testament to his dedication and the quality of coaching he has received. He also has two singles titles on the ATP Challenger Tour and reached an ITF junior combined ranking of world No. 1 on February 27, 2023, demonstrating a strong foundation in the sport.
What’s Next for Landaluce?
Landaluce will next face Jiri Lehecka, who upset world No. 7 Taylor Fritz in three sets, for a place in the semi-finals. This will be a challenging match against a seasoned opponent, but Landaluce’s current form suggests he is capable of another upset. The match is scheduled to take place on [Date and Time to be confirmed – check official ATP Tour schedule for updates].
The Miami Open continues to deliver surprises, and Martín Landaluce’s remarkable run is undoubtedly one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines. Fans can follow the latest updates and scores on the official ATP Tour website: https://www.atptour.com/en.
This article will be updated with confirmed match times and further details as they become available.
