In a stunning turn of events at the Miami Masters 1000, Carlos Alcaraz, the top-ranked player and overwhelming favorite to win the tournament, was defeated by Sebastian Korda in the third round. Alcaraz, who started 2026 on a remarkable 16-match winning streak after winning the Australian Open and completing a career Grand Slam, was taken by surprise by Korda's consistent performance. The match concluded with a score of 3-6, 5-7, 6-4, marking one of the most important victories in Korda's young career and handing Alcaraz just his second loss of the season.

The defeat in Miami also meant that Alcaraz entered the Sunshine Double—a term for the two initial Masters 1000 tournaments of the year—without securing any trophies. This is a stark contrast to his accomplishments last year, where he performed significantly better in these events. Following his success in Australia and a strong showing at the ATP 500 in Doha where he also clinched a title, the drop in form during the Miami competition raises questions about his consistency heading into the clay season, where he traditionally excels.

Korda, at just 25 years old, has gained momentum in recent weeks and this victory could serve as a crucial point for him in the professional circuit, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tennis and the increasing competition among younger players. As Alcaraz aims to regroup before the upcoming matches, Korda will hope to build on this success to advance further in the tournament, taking advantage of the confidence from this significant win.