The "scenic route" turned out to be the path to glory for Sebastian Korda. In a rollercoaster third-round clash at the 2026 Miami Open, the American World No. 36 pulled off the biggest upset of the season, defeating World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.
For Alcaraz, it was a rare moment of vulnerability in a nearly flawless season. After starting 2026 with a 16-0 run, including his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, the Spaniard has now dropped two of his last three matches. For Korda, the win represents a massive breakthrough after a year plagued by a stress fracture and a slide down the rankings.
Korda appeared to have the match in his grasp when he led 6-3, 5-3, but the "nerves of the finish line" struck hard. He lost seven consecutive points and five straight games as Alcaraz mounted a trademark spirited comeback. However, unlike previous encounters where he might have faded, Korda found a "nasty" level of resilience in the decider.
I took the scenic route, that’s for sure. There was a little more stress than I would want, but I’m happy with how I played, happy with how I stayed with it. I kept believing.
Sebastian Korda
While Korda was clinical, Alcaraz cut a surprisingly frustrated figure on the Hard Rock Stadium court. At one point, the Spaniard was heard shouting to his coach, Samuel Lopez, “I can’t do any more! I’m going home!” Despite the uncharacteristic outburst, Alcaraz remained pragmatic after the match, noting that his opponents now play with "nothing to lose" and total freedom. He now heads back to Spain to "reset the batteries" before the clay-court season, where he is the defending champion at Monte-Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros.
Korda revealed that his recent coaching addition, former Top 40 player Ryan Harrison, was instrumental in the win. The goal wasn't to play "hero ball," but to maintain a steady, high-average level.
Soul searching: Korda admitted he used to "spray the ball" when facing top players.
Goal: Focus on tactical clarity rather than trying to match Alcaraz's variety shot-for-shot.
Stat: Korda is only the sixth American man to defeat a World No. 1 since 2015.
Sinner's opening: Alcaraz’s early exit gives Jannik Sinner a massive opportunity to close the points gap in the battle for World No. 1.
Historical echo: Korda is the lowest-ranked man (No. 36) to beat Alcaraz in Miami since David Goffin (No. 55) did it exactly one year ago.
Next for Korda: He faces 20-year-old Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce in the fourth round.
Career Slam: Alcaraz leaves the hard-court swing with his head high, having become the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam in Melbourne this past January.
