Upset in Miami: Korda Eliminates Alcaraz

The Miami Open witnessed a major upset on Sunday as American Sebastian Korda defeated top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the third round with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. The victory marks a career highlight for Korda and a surprising early exit for the Australian Open champion.

Match Recap: A Rollercoaster Battle

Korda, the 32nd seed, showcased a dominant performance early in the match, securing the first set 6-3. He then established a commanding lead in the second set, reaching 6-3, 5-3, before Alcaraz mounted a comeback, winning five consecutive games to accept the set 5-7. The decisive third set saw Korda regain his composure, ultimately closing out the match with a 6-4 victory.

“I consider it was a tough match,” said Alcaraz. The Guardian

Korda’s Key to Victory

Korda’s success stemmed from a combination of powerful groundstrokes, effective volleying, and a dominant serve that consistently challenged Alcaraz. He demonstrated an ability to control the match from all areas of the court, matching Alcaraz’s variation with impressive feel.

“I think today the ultimate thing was belief, going back to just believing, committing into every shot, and luckily I got it done at the complete,” Korda said. ESPN

Alcaraz’s Struggles and Future Outlook

Alcaraz, despite his recent Grand Slam win, struggled with his serve, landing only 60% of his first serves. This allowed Korda to dictate play and put consistent pressure on the world No. 1. This loss comes after Alcaraz’s semifinal defeat to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells last week. Alcaraz indicated he plans to use the time before the clay court season to rest and recharge.

“It was a lot of tense moments, for sure,” Alcaraz stated.

What’s Next for Korda?

Korda will now advance to face the winner of the match between Karen Khachanov and qualifier Martin Landaluce. Several other Americans, including Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, also secured their places in the fourth round.