Sebastian Korda delivered the biggest victory of his career on Sunday, defeating world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the third round of the Miami Open. The 25-year-old American’s upset win halted Alcaraz’s dominant start to the 2026 season and sent shockwaves through the tournament’s upper bracket.
Korda, ranked No. 36, controlled much of the opening set against the Spanish top seed, breaking serve to claim the first set 6-3. The American appeared poised to run away with the match when he built a 5-3 lead in the second set, but Alcaraz mounted a characteristic comeback. The world No. 1 secured a crucial break and reeled off five consecutive games to force a deciding set, evening the match at one set apiece.
The third set proved decisive. After Alcaraz made another late stand to force Korda to serve for the match, the American held his nerve. He secured the only break point of the final frame at 3-3 and closed out the victory when an Alcaraz return sailed long. The match lasted two hours and 19 minutes, with Korda striking 12 aces and 33 winners while winning 18 of 26 points at the net.
This represented Korda’s first career victory against a reigning world No. 1, though he had previously defeated Alcaraz on clay at Monte Carlo in 2022. The American’s comeback is particularly notable given his injury struggles over the past three years. A shin injury saw him drop as low as No. 86 in the rankings last August, but recent form suggests a return to his best level. He won the Delray Beach title in February and credited playing a Challenger event in San Diego with providing crucial match practice on his road to recovery.
For Alcaraz, the loss marked an unwelcome early exit at a tournament where he has struggled in recent years. He lost in the second round to David Goffin last year and fell to Korda in the third round this time. The defeat ended his streak of reaching at least the quarterfinals in all tournaments he had entered this season. Alcaraz arrived in Miami with a 16-1 record across his first three events, including titles at the Australian Open and Qatar, plus a Grand Slam collection that made him the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz still earned ranking points from the tournament and maintains his position atop the ATP standings. However, Jannik Sinner, fresh from winning Indian Wells, could close the gap if he captures the Miami title.
Korda advances to the fourth round, where he faces Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce. The American is one win away from matching his best Miami result, a quarterfinal showing in 2025 and continues his climb back toward the top 20 rankings.
THE MOMENT SEBASTIAN KORDA BEAT CARLOS ALCARAZ IN MIAMI
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 22, 2026
Biggest win of his life
At 25 years old… he’s had so many injuries, he hasn’t been allowed to fulfill his massive potential
He’s letting nothing hold him back
Unreal talent ready to thrive 🇺🇸🥹
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