In a stunning turn of events at the Miami Open on Sunday, Sebastian Korda delivered a remarkable performance that ended the impressive run of world number one Carlos Alcaraz. Korda, currently ranked 36th globally, defeated Alcaraz in a tightly contested three-set match with scores of 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. This victory marked Korda’s first-ever win against a reigning world number one, a milestone achievement in his career.
Alcaraz, who had been on a dominant streak with a 73-6 record since his last early exit in Miami, was expected to continue his winning momentum. The Spanish star had started the year with an unbeaten 16-0 record, including a triumphant Australian Open campaign that completed his career Grand Slam, as well as a title in Doha. However, this match proved to be a significant setback, as it was his second consecutive early departure from the Miami Open, following last year’s second-round loss to Belgian David Goffin, ranked 55th.
The match itself was a rollercoaster, with Korda initially appearing to have the upper hand. He served for the match at 5-4 in the second set but was broken at love, allowing Alcaraz to rally back by winning the next two games and pushing the contest into a decisive third set. Alcaraz’s five-game winning streak in the middle of the match seemed to signal a shift in momentum. Yet, Korda remained resilient, breaking Alcaraz’s serve at 4-3 in the final set when the Spaniard’s forehand went wide. Demonstrating composure under pressure, Korda confidently held his serve, sealing the game with an emphatic overhead winner. After Alcaraz managed to hold serve once more, Korda served for the match again and this time closed it out without error.
Reflecting on his victory, Korda acknowledged the challenges he faced on his journey back to form, having endured two seasons marred by injuries. “It feels fantastic,” he said. “I took a longer, more difficult path than I would have liked, with more stress than I wanted, but I’m really pleased with how I played and how I stayed focused throughout.” On the other side, Alcaraz praised Korda’s performance, describing it as “incredible” and noting that the key moments of the match were decided by Korda’s ability to capitalize on tight situations where Alcaraz fell short.
Looking ahead, Korda is set to face Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce in the next round. Landaluce earned his spot in the round of 16 by defeating 14th-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), continuing his impressive run in the tournament.
Meanwhile, on the women’s side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced comfortably with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over American Caty McNally, ranked 72nd. Despite the seemingly straightforward scoreline, the match was more competitive than it appeared. Both players exchanged multiple breaks in the first set, remaining on serve until Sabalenka secured a crucial break in the final game to take the set. The Belarusian, who recently claimed her first Indian Wells title and is aiming to complete the coveted “Sunshine Double,” faced some resistance early in the second set but eventually intensified her return game to break McNally’s serve twice in the closing stages.
Sabalenka highlighted the importance of holding serve at 5-4 in the opening set, a game that extended to five deuces, as a turning point in the match. “She played excellent tennis,” Sabalenka remarked, expressing satisfaction with closing the match in straight sets. Her next opponent will be China’s Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen, who secured a 6-2, 6-4 win over Madison Keys. Zheng’s victory is particularly notable as it marks her first triumph over a top-20 player since undergoing elbow surgery last July.
Additionally, world number two Elena Rybakina continued her smooth progression into the last 16 by defeating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-4. Rybakina, who lost to Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final after beating her in the Australian Open championship match, will now face Australian qualifier Talia Gibson. Gibson has been in impressive form herself, having reached the Indian Wells quarter-finals and recently upsetting 18th seed Iva Jovic with a 6-2, 6-2 victory. Gibson’s run also includes a notable win over former world number one Naomi Osaka in the second round, underscoring the depth of talent emerging in this tournament.
