Sebastian Korda stuns Alcaraz at Miami Open

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Sebastian Korda produced a career-defining performance on Sunday, toppling world number one Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the third round of the Miami Open.

Ranked 36th globally, Korda claimed his first-ever victory over a top-ranked opponent, handing Alcaraz a second consecutive early exit in Miami following last year’s second-round loss to Belgian David Goffin. Before this defeat, Alcaraz had enjoyed an astonishing 73-6 run, including a perfect 16-0 start to 2026, an Australian Open title completing his career Grand Slam, and a triumph in Doha.

The match tested Korda’s nerves; he served for the match at 5-4 in the second set but was broken at love. Alcaraz surged to win the next two games, forcing a decider in a five-game comeback stretch. However, Korda seized a crucial break in the third set when Alcaraz misfired a forehand, held serve confidently, and eventually closed out the match with an emphatic overhead winner.

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“It feels great,” Korda said. “I took the scenic route—a little more stress than I would want—but I’m happy with how I stayed in it.”

Alcaraz praised Korda’s performance, calling it “incredible” and acknowledging that key moments went in Korda’s favor. Korda will now face Martin Landaluce for a place in the quarter-finals after the young Spaniard ousted 14th-seeded Karen Khachanov.

Meanwhile, world number one Aryna Sabalenka maintained her title defense with a 6-4, 6-2 win over American Caty McNally, despite a fiercely contested opening set. Sabalenka will face China’s Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen, who secured her first victory over a top-20 player since elbow surgery.

World number two Elena Rybakina also progressed, defeating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-4, and is set to meet Australian qualifier Talia Gibson, who recently upset 18th seed Iva Jovic.

The Miami Open continues to produce thrilling upsets as the tournament heads into the round of 16.