Alcaraz Stunned: Korda Delivers Miami Open Upset of the Year

MIAMI — The tennis world was left reeling on Saturday as world number three Carlos Alcaraz suffered a stunning early exit from the Miami Open, falling to American Sebastian Korda in a match that will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 season.

Korda, ranked 28th in the world, produced a masterclass of aggressive baseline tennis to dismantle the Spanish phenom 6-4, 7-6(5) in just under two hours. The victory marks Korda's first career win over Alcaraz and sends shockwaves through the ATP Tour just weeks before the clay court season begins.

"I came out with nothing to lose and everything to gain," Korda told reporters after the match. "Carlos is one of the best players in the world, but today I stuck to my game plan and executed when it mattered."

Alcaraz, who had been heavily favored to make a deep run in Miami, struggled with uncharacteristic errors throughout the contest. The 22-year-old Spaniard committed 35 unforced errors and failed to convert on three break point opportunities in the second set.

"It's disappointing, no question," Alcaraz admitted. "Sebastian played incredible tennis today. He was more aggressive, more precise. I have to give him credit — he deserved the win."

The loss raises questions about Alcaraz's form heading into the European clay court swing, where he typically excels. For Korda, the victory represents a career-defining moment and signals his readiness to challenge the sport's elite.

Korda advances to face either eighth-seeded Hubert Hurkacz or rising Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round, while Alcaraz will return to Spain to prepare for the Monte Carlo Masters.

Reporting from Hard Rock Stadium, Miami