Korda Stuns Alcaraz in Miami: A Sign of Shifting Power in Men’s Tennis?
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz suffered a surprising defeat at the Miami Open, falling to Sebastian Korda 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the third round. The loss marks Alcaraz’s earliest exit from a tournament this season and raises questions about potential vulnerabilities as the clay court season approaches.
Korda’s Breakthrough Performance
Sebastian Korda secured the biggest win of his career against Alcaraz, demonstrating impressive form and resilience. He previously won a title in Delray Beach just a month prior to this victory. Korda, ranked No. 36, is now the lowest-ranked player to defeat Alcaraz since David Goffin achieved the same feat in Miami last year.
Sebastian Korda celebrates his win against Carlos Alcaraz. © APA / RICH STORRY
Alcaraz’s Recent Struggles
This defeat follows Alcaraz’s semi-final loss to Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells, signaling a potential dip in form after a strong start to 2026. Alcaraz had begun the year with a 16-0 record before these recent setbacks. His service percentage was notably low during the match against Korda, landing only 60% of his first serves.
Implications for the ATP Rankings
Jannik Sinner now has an opportunity to further close the gap in the ATP rankings. Sinner is scheduled to play Corentin Moutet in the third round, and a win would allow him to gain more points on Alcaraz.
Korda’s Path Forward
Korda will now face either Karen Khachanov or Martin Landaluce in the fourth round, aiming to match his best result in Miami, having reached the quarter-finals in both 2021 and 2025.
Did you know? Korda’s previous best win against a top-3 ranked player was against Daniil Medvedev at the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters.
FAQ
Q: What was the score of the match between Korda and Alcaraz?
A: Korda defeated Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.
Q: Where did this match seize place?
A: The match was played at the Miami Open.
Q: What is Korda’s current ranking?
A: Korda is currently ranked No. 36.
Q: What was Alcaraz’s record before these recent losses?
A: Alcaraz started 2026 with a 16-0 record.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Korda’s performance on clay. His recent hard-court success suggests he could be a dark horse during the European clay court swing.
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