Sebastian Korda Stuns Carlos Alcaraz at Miami Open

Sebastian Korda caused one of the biggest shocks at the 2026 Miami Open by defeating world number one Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling third-round match. The American, ranked 36th globally, overcame a strong start by Alcaraz to win 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, marking the biggest victory of his career.

Alcaraz, 22, began the match with determination but struggled to find consistency. Korda capitalized on early errors from the Spaniard to take the first set 6-3.

Although Alcaraz bounced back in the second set, breaking Korda to love at a critical moment, he was unable to maintain momentum. Korda steadied himself in the decider, breaking for a 4-3 lead before closing out the match on his second match point.

Reflecting on the defeat, Alcaraz remained positive about his form heading into the clay-court season. He acknowledged that lower-ranked opponents often play with less pressure, which makes them dangerous.

“I’m not thinking about my pressure. I don’t feel it at all. I’m trying to play my best,” he said, emphasizing his focus on improvement despite the loss.

For Korda, the win was historic, representing his first triumph over a world number one and his second career victory against Alcaraz in six meetings.

“It feels great. I took the scenic route, that’s for sure a little more stress than I would want but happy with how I played,” Korda said after the match. He added that his persistence and focus helped him overcome tough moments during the match.

With this victory, Korda advances to the fourth round, where he will face either Karen Khachanov or Martin Landaluce.

The win not only boosts his confidence but also puts him in a strong position to surpass his previous best performances at the Miami Open. Meanwhile, Alcaraz looks to regroup and build on lessons from the defeat as he prepares for upcoming challenges on the ATP Tour.

This upset highlights the unpredictability of tennis, where lower-ranked players can rise to the occasion and topple the sport’s elite, making the Miami Open an exciting tournament for fans worldwide.