Men’s world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz lost to Sebastian Korda 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the third round of the Miami Open on Sunday, handing the American the biggest victory of his career.
Korda appeared to have lost his chance to beat the Spaniard when he failed to serve out in the second set, but he kept his cool and broke at 5-3 in the third set, winning with a serve that couldn’t be returned.
The Florida-born Korda, ranked 36th in the world, used serve and volley effectively and mixed his game well to earn his first win over a top-ranked player, while also benefiting from the uncharacteristically sloppy Alcaraz.
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Highlights of the Miami Open match between Aryna Sabalenka and Katie McNally.
In women’s singles, top-seeded and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, aiming for the Sunshine Double following her victory in Indian Wells last week, defeated Katherine McNally 6-4, 6-2.
Sabalenka will face China’s Zheng Qinwen, who defeated No. 15 seed Madison Keys.
There were also victories over current Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina (who Sabalenka defeated in the recent final at Indian Wells) and Jessica Pegula.
Alcaraz: Opponent plays without pressure
Alcaraz started the year with his seventh Grand Slam title with victory at the Australian Open, and did not suffer his first loss of the season until losing to Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals at Indian Wells.
The Spaniard, who is preparing for the upcoming clay court season, remained positive despite his recent defeat, saying: “I think the process was good.
Korda defeats world No. 1 Alcaraz in 3 sets and leaves
“Aside from today’s loss, I think I’m still moving in the right direction. There were some parts in previous tournaments where I didn’t feel comfortable, but I think I’ve gotten better and better in this tournament.”
“I feel like (our opponents) won more games than we lost in that game. They’re playing without pressure.
“It’s a little frustrating. But I have to accept it. I’m not thinking about the pressure on me. I don’t feel it at all. I’m going to do my best.”
Korda will next face Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce.
Korda, who defeated 14th seed Karen Khachanov and will face Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce, said of the win against Alcaraz:
“I took the scenic route, that’s for sure. It was a little more stressful than I would have liked, but I’m happy with how I played and I’m happy with the way I maintained it.”
“We got into some sticky situations, but we just kept believing and kept going and played really well at the end.”
Fritz, Paul, Fils, Pegula, Rybakina and others win in Miami
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Miami Open highlights of Riley Opelka vs. Taylor Fritz.
In other men’s singles matches, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul joined fellow American Korda to see off Jack Draper’s conquerors Riley Opelka and Rafael Collignon, respectively.
France’s Arthur Fils was also the winner, defeating Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-0, 6-1.
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Highlights of the Miami Open match between Elena Rybakina and Marta Kostyuk.
On the women’s side, third-seeded Rybakina defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-4, and fifth-seeded Pegula defeated Leila Fernandez 6-2, 6-2.
7th seed Jasmin Paolini, 9th seed Elina Svitolina, 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and 18th seed Iva Jovic were all eliminated.
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Highlights of the match between Qingwen Zheng and Madison Keys at the Miami Open.
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Jelena Ostapenko was unimpressed when the ball double bounced into the net against Jasmine Paolini
The Miami Open runs through March 29th. Watch the ATP Tour and WTA Tour live on Sky Sports. Stream now with no contract.
