Carlos Alcaraz admitted that his third-round loss in Miami was shaped by missed opportunities in crucial moments. “A lot of tight moments that I just didn’t make the most of… he was better on those points and that was the key of the match,” he said, acknowledging Sebastian Korda’s sharp execution under pressure. Despite the disappointment, Alcaraz emphasized that his overall level was strong and highlighted progress in areas where he had previously struggled. He noted that his team would analyze both the positives and the shortcomings to prepare for the clay season.
Pressure dynamics at the top
As the world number one, Alcaraz explained the unique dynamic of facing opponents who play freely against him. “I’m feeling they have more to win than to lose in those matches… they’re playing without pressure,” he commented. While he doesn’t feel burdened by his own ranking, he recognizes that rivals often elevate their game when facing him. He admitted frustration at times when Korda played above his usual level but stressed the importance of adapting to such challenges in future matches.
Sebastian Korda’s breakthrough
Sebastian Korda credited belief and commitment as the decisive factors in his victory. “Today the ultimate thing was belief, committing into every shot, and luckily I got it done at the end,” he said. Serving out the match against Alcaraz proved difficult, but he learned from earlier mistakes and adjusted his approach. He highlighted the importance of his serve and the guidance of coach Ryan Harrison, who helped him stay composed during momentum swings.
Learning from setbacks
Korda reflected on his journey since early struggles at the Australian Open, pointing to his decision to compete in San Diego as crucial for regaining confidence. He explained that throwing himself into stressful match situations helped him rediscover resilience. A conversation with John McEnroe in Dallas also proved influential. “He said you got to go soul-searching, figure out who you are, why you play tennis, why you love tennis… that’s been a massive key for me,” Korda revealed.
Alcaraz plans to return home briefly before preparing for the clay season, aiming to reset mentally and physically. “My mind right now is to take some days off, reset my batteries, and be ready for the clay season,” he said. Korda, meanwhile, expressed excitement about climbing the rankings and continuing to build momentum after his Miami breakthrough. Both players left the court with clear lessons—Alcaraz focused on fine-tuning his game under pressure, and Korda energized by belief and resilience that carried him past the world number one.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2026
Currently the world no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 22nd of March when he was defeated by world no.36 Sebastian Korda 6-3 5-7 6-4 in the 3rd round in Miami (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Spaniard has achieved a compiled 17-3 win-loss record. Alcaraz has won 2 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open and Doha.
ATP Miami - Sebastian Korda's projected path
Korda in Miami, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently ranked no.36, Korda has managed to achieve an overall 17-6 record in 2026. The American is competing in Miami where he conquered the world no.66 Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-0 6-3 and the world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 5-7 6-4.
Sebastian Korda will play the world no.151 Martin Landaluce in the 4th round. They have never competed against each other until now in top events.
Korda has won 1 title in 2026 in Delray Beach. Korda was the finalist in the San Diego Challenger.
Carlos Alcaraz and Sebastian Korda faced off 6 times. The head to head is 4-2 for Alcaraz.
