World number one Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shocking third-round exit at the Miami Open after falling 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to American star Sebastian Korda on Sunday.
Korda, ranked 36th in the world, delivered a composed and resilient performance to secure his first-ever victory over a reigning world number one, deepening Alcaraz’s recent struggles at the Miami tournament.
The Spaniard, who lifted the Miami Open title in 2022, has now endured back-to-back early exits at the event, following last year’s second-round defeat to David Goffin.
Korda appeared poised to close out the match in straight sets when he led 5-4 in the second and served for victory.
However, a lapse saw him broken at love, allowing Alcaraz to surge back and force a deciding third set after taking the next two games.
Despite Alcaraz raising his intensity in the final set, Korda held his nerve.
The American seized a crucial break to go 4-3 ahead after Alcaraz misfired a forehand, shifting the momentum decisively in his favor.
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Korda maintained his composure under pressure, confidently holding serve with a powerful overhead winner before sealing the match on his second match point, as Alcaraz sent a return long.
“It feels great,” Korda said after the match. “I took the scenic route — definitely more stress than I would have liked — but I’m happy with how I played and stayed focused.”
He also praised his opponent, describing Alcaraz as “unbelievable in every aspect,” highlighting the Spaniard’s all-round brilliance.
Alcaraz, 22, entered the tournament in strong form, having won the Australian Open in January to complete a career Grand Slam at a historic age.
He followed that with a title in Doha and a 16-match unbeaten run before his semi-final loss at Indian Wells earlier this month.
Korda will now face either Martin Landaluce or Karen Khachanov as he eyes a place in the quarter-finals.
The result marks one of the biggest upsets of this year’s Miami Open, as Korda continues his resurgence following injury-hit seasons.