World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock exit in the third round of the Miami Open on Sunday, falling 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to American Sebastian Korda.
Ranked 36th in the world, Korda secured his first-ever win against a world No. 1, handing Alcaraz his second consecutive early exit in Miami. The Spaniard had previously won the tournament in 2022 but was eliminated in the second round last year by David Goffin.
Korda appeared poised to close out the match in straight sets when he served for victory at 5-4 in the second set. However, Alcaraz broke back at love and forced a deciding set after winning the next two games.
In the third set, Alcaraz raised his intensity, but Korda remained composed. The American capitalized on a crucial moment, breaking for a 4-3 lead after Alcaraz sent a forehand wide. Korda then held serve confidently and, after Alcaraz forced him to serve for the match again, sealed the win on his second match point when Alcaraz’s return sailed long.
“It feels great,” said Korda. “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.”
Korda also praised his opponent, describing Alcaraz as “unbelievable in every aspect, movement, volleys, forehand, backhand, there’s nothing he can’t do.”
Alcaraz, 22, came into the tournament in strong form after winning the Australian Open in January, becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. He followed that with a title in Qatar Open and carried a 16-0 record into the semi-finals of Indian Wells earlier this month.
Korda will next face either Martin Landaluce or Karen Khachanov for a place in the quarter-finals.
