PA major upset rocked the Miami Open as Sebastian Korda knocked out world number one Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping three-set encounter, winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to reach the fourth round.
The American, ranked 36th in the world, delivered a composed and resilient performance to secure the biggest win of his career, marking his first-ever victory over a top-ranked opponent. Korda capitalised on an error-strewn opening set from Alcaraz to seize early control, before surviving a second-set comeback from the Spaniard.
Alcaraz appeared to have turned the tide when he broke Korda while the American was serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set, eventually forcing a decider. However, Korda regrouped impressively in the third, breaking for a crucial 4-3 lead and maintaining his composure to close out the match on his second match point after an overhit return from the top seed.
Despite the defeat, Alcaraz struck an optimistic tone, pointing to improvements in his form as he looks ahead to the clay-court season. The 22-year-old noted that he has been growing more comfortable with his game in recent tournaments, even as he acknowledged the challenge of facing lower-ranked players who compete with greater freedom.
The loss marks Alcaraz’s earliest exit in Miami since a similar upset last year and comes after an otherwise strong start to the season, highlighted by his triumph at the Australian Open and a semi-final appearance at Indian Wells Open, where he was beaten by Daniil Medvedev.
For Korda, the victory continues a promising run at a tournament where he has previously reached the quarter-finals but never advanced further. He will next face either Karen Khachanov or Martin Landaluce for a place in the last eight.
In the women’s draw, third seed Elena Rybakina progressed comfortably into the last 16 with a straight-sets win over Marta Kostyuk. She will meet Australia’s Talia Gibson, who continued her impressive form after eliminating another seeded opponent.
Elsewhere, fifth seed Jessica Pegula advanced with ease, while former finalist Jelena Ostapenko battled past Jasmine Paolini in three sets. Ostapenko will face Hailey Baptiste next, after the American defeated Elina Svitolina to continue her run.