Sebastian Korda Stuns World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz at Miami Open

Miami, FL – In a significant upset at the 2026 Miami Open, American Sebastian Korda defeated top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 on Sunday, securing his place in the fourth round. The victory marks the biggest win of Korda’s career.

Korda’s Path to Victory

Korda, currently ranked 32nd in the world, showcased a display of “smooth, controlled aggression and a flurry of flat power,” according to The Novel York Times. [1] He utilized his all-court game effectively, capitalizing on Alcaraz’s unforced errors and demonstrating strong footwork.

The match was a closely contested affair, with Korda taking the first set 6-3. Alcaraz fought back to win the second set 7-5, forcing a decisive third set. Korda ultimately prevailed in the third, closing out the match with a 6-4 victory after two hours and 18 minutes of play. [3]

Alcaraz’s Struggles

Alcaraz, the reigning Australian Open champion, appeared to struggle with his serve, landing only 60% of his first serves. [1] This allowed Korda to consistently put pressure on the Spaniard’s service games.

This loss comes after Alcaraz’s defeat to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of Indian Wells last week, marking a challenging “Sunshine Double” for the world No. 1. [2] Despite the setback, Alcaraz’s No. 1 ranking is not currently threatened, even if Jannik Sinner wins the Miami Open.

Korda’s Strategy: “Play Average”

Interestingly, Korda revealed a unique strategy employed with his coach, Ryan Harrison, leading up to the match. “Our goal today was to play average,” Korda explained. [4] He aimed to avoid overhitting and simply maintain a consistent ball, recognizing that Alcaraz often thrives when opponents become erratic.

Korda emphasized the importance of aggressive play and taking the ball out of Alcaraz’s hands. He acknowledged Alcaraz’s all-around excellence but focused on executing his own game plan effectively.

Looking Ahead

This victory represents a career milestone for Sebastian Korda, who has previously struggled with injuries and closing out matches. [1] He will now advance to the fourth round of the Miami Open, where he will face a new challenge. For Carlos Alcaraz, this early exit serves as a reminder of the competitive landscape of professional tennis and the need for consistent performance.