The top-ranked tennis player globally, Carlos Alcaraz, was eliminated from the Miami Open during the third round following an unexpected 6-3 5-7 6-4 loss to Sebastian Korda.
The 22-year-old top seed, Alcaraz, delivered a messy first set, giving the American an early advantage, although Korda seemed to have squandered his opportunity in the second set.
Korda served for the victory at 5-4 but was broken cleanly by the Spaniard, who then proceeded to win the subsequent two games, forcing a decisive third set.
Alcaraz raised his game, but Korda maintained his composure and secured a break for a 4-3 lead in the third when his opponent hit a forehand shot long.
Korda, ranked 36th worldwide, confidently held his next two service games to clinch the match, sealing the win on his second match point after Alcaraz hit a return too hard.
Alcaraz expressed that his play is advancing despite his exit, as he intends to rest before the clay-court season commences.
“I believe the development has been positive. Aside from today’s defeat, I feel I am still on the right trajectory,” he remarked.
“Certain aspects in earlier competitions where I just didn’t feel at ease, I reckon I started to feel progressively better in this particular tournament.”
Alcaraz noted that lower-ranked competitors such as Korda are afforded the chance to play with greater liberty against him, but he must avoid placing undue pressure on himself.
He additionally stated: “I perceive they have more to gain than to lose in those matches. They are performing without any burden.”
“I am not preoccupied with my personal pressure. I don’t perceive it whatsoever. My intention is to play my utmost best.”
Korda, at 25 years old, is the lowest-ranked man to triumph over Alcaraz since Belgium’s David Goffin, then world number 55, surprisingly defeated the Spaniard in the second round in Miami last year.
Alcaraz initiated the year by claiming his seventh Grand Slam title with a victory at the Australian Open and only sustained his first loss of the season when he was overcome by Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of Indian Wells.
Korda, who advanced to the quarter-finals of the Miami Open in 2021 and 2025 but has never progressed further, is set to encounter either 14th seed Karen Khachanov or qualifier Martin Landaluce in the next stage.
“It’s a wonderful sensation,” articulated Korda, who concluded the match in two hours and 19 minutes, marking his inaugural victory against a top-ranked player in his professional career.
“I certainly took the scenic route, that’s for sure – a bit more tension than I would have preferred, but I’m content with how I performed.”
“I maintained my conviction. I found myself in some difficult scenarios, but I persevered and ultimately played exceptionally well.”
