By Richard Pagliaro Sunday, March 22, 2026
Photo credit: Rich Story/Getty
Sebastian Korda Grew up on the hard courts of South Florida.
Korda continues to cause problems for opponents in the Sunshine State.
World No. 36 Korda scores daring knockdown in full-court tennis World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Defeated the opponent 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 at the Miami Open.
Korda is the lowest-ranked player to defeat Alcaraz since No. 55 David Goffin defeated Alcaraz in the second round in Miami last March.
Delray Beach champion Korda is the first American to defeat the world No. 1 in Miami since Andy Roddick beat Roger Federer in the quarterfinals of the 2008 Miami Open.
Australian Open champion Alcaraz takes to the Hard Rock Stadium with a 17-1 record this season.
Kudos to Koda for the offense and offense on the baseline rally. Korda hit 33 winners, three more than Alcaraz, and won 16 of 26 at the net.
American No. 1 Taylor Fritz said Korda’s sharper serve has inspired his success this season.
“I know Sebi is playing really well. I feel like he’s been serving [well]”, Korda said. “He always returns the ball well and hits the ball out of the baseline. I think his service is better than
Usually. I think the service is really good. Play with confidence.
“Obviously I can say this now and you don’t have to believe me, but I say I feel [Alcaraz vs. Korda] This will be a very close game. “
Alcaraz, who trailed for much of the match, grabbed the upper hand in the second set and broke Korda’s serve for a 5-4 lead.
Still, Korda, who has been coaching with longtime friend Ryan Harrison, isn’t backing down. In the third set, Koda broke serve to lead 4-3 and held at 30 to confirm the break.
Alcaraz suffered his first loss of the season a week later when he lost 6-3, 7-6(3) to Daniil Medvedev in the Indian Wells semifinals.
