By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, March 22, 2026
Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open Facebook
Sebastian Korda grew up playing on South Florida hard courts.
Korda continues to give opponents the runaround in the Sunshine State.
World No. 36 Korda played bold all-court tennis toppling world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in a Miami Open stunner.
Korda is the lowest-ranked player to defeat Alcaraz since No. 55 David Goffin sent Alcaraz packing from the Miami second round last March.
Delray Beach champion Korda is the first American man to beat a world No. 1 in Miami since Andy Roddick upset Roger Federer in the 2008 Miami Open quarterfinals.
Australian Open champion Alcaraz was armed with a 17-1 record on the season as he walked out onto Hard Rock Stadium Court.
Credit Korda for taking his cracks down the line and asserting his aggression in baseline rallies. Korda hit 33 winners, three more than Alcaraz, and won 16 of 26 trips to net.
Playing from behind for much of the match, Alcaraz stole the second set, breaking at love when Korda served for the match at 5-4.
Still Korda, who has been working with long-time friend Ryan Harrison as coach, did not back down. Korda broke for a 4-3 third-set lead and held at 30 to confirm the break.