Miami: Sebastian Korda produced a sensational performance to upset world number one Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 on Sunday, sending the top seed crashing out of the Miami Open third round.
The 36th-ranked American secured his first career victory over a world number one, compounding Alcaraz’s struggles in Miami following his early exit last year against David Goffin.
Alcaraz had entered the tournament in formidable form, boasting a remarkable 73-6 record since that defeat, including an unbeaten start to the 2026 season highlighted by his Australian Open triumph and a title-winning run in Doha.
Korda appeared poised to close out the match in straight sets when he served for victory at 5-4 in the second, only to be broken at love. The Spaniard seized the momentum, winning five consecutive games to force a decider.
However, Korda showed resilience under pressure, breaking for a 4-3 lead in the third set after Alcaraz misfired on a forehand. The American held firm in the closing stages and, when given a second opportunity to serve out the match, made no mistake to seal a memorable win.
“It feels great,” Korda said after the match. “I took the scenic route, that’s for sure — a little more stress than I would want, but I’m happy with how I played and how I stayed with it.”
Alcaraz acknowledged his opponent’s performance, admitting he fell short in key moments. “A lot of tight moments that I didn’t make the most of,” he said. “He was better in those situations, and that was the key.”
Korda will next face Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce for a place in the quarter-finals after the youngster defeated 14th seed Karen Khachanov in straight sets.
Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka continued her title defence with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over American Caty McNally, although the contest proved more competitive than the scoreline suggested.
Sabalenka edged a tightly contested opening set, which featured multiple service breaks, before raising her level in the second to secure progression. The Belarusian is aiming to complete the “Sunshine Double” following her recent success at Indian Wells.
“She played really great tennis,” Sabalenka said, noting that holding serve at a crucial stage in the first set proved decisive. She will next face China’s Zheng Qinwen, who advanced with a straight-sets win over Madison Keys.
Elsewhere, world number two Elena Rybakina progressed comfortably to the last 16, defeating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-4.
Rybakina will next take on Australian qualifier Talia Gibson, who continued her impressive run by dispatching 18th seed Iva Jovic in dominant fashion.
