Carlos Alcaraz’s campaign at the Miami Open came to an abrupt end on Sunday, as the world No.1 was beaten 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 by Sebastian Korda in the third round.

The 36th-ranked American secured the biggest win of his career, claiming his first-ever victory over a world No.1 and handing Alcaraz a second consecutive early exit in Miami. The Spaniard, who won the title in 2022, had also suffered an early defeat last year against David Goffin.

Korda appeared on course to finish the match in straight sets when he served at 5-4 in the second, but a lapse saw him broken to love. Alcaraz took advantage, raising his level to win the next two games and push the contest into a deciding set.

However, Korda responded with composure. After a tightly contested start to the third set, he earned a crucial break for 4-3 when Alcaraz misfired a forehand wide.

From there, the American stayed in control, holding serve confidently—highlighted by a powerful overhead winner on game point. Although Alcaraz managed to stay alive and force Korda to serve for the match once more, the outcome was never in doubt.

Korda held his nerve on the second attempt, sealing victory on match point as Alcaraz sent a return long, completing a memorable upset.

Sebastian Korda expressed his delight after the victory, admitting it hadn’t come easily following injury setbacks in recent seasons.

“It feels great,” he said. “I definitely took the long road — probably more stressful than I would have liked — but I’m really happy with how I played and how I stayed composed.”

Korda also praised Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting the Spaniard’s all-around quality. “He’s incredible in every part of his game — movement, volleys, forehand, backhand — there’s really nothing he can’t do.”

Alcaraz, who claimed the Australian Open title in January to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, had been in dominant form this season. The 22-year-old followed that triumph with another title in Doha and carried a 16-match unbeaten run into March before his semi-final loss at Indian Wells.

Korda will now face either Martin Landaluce or Karen Khachanov for a place in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka kept her title defence on track with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Caty McNally, although the contest proved tighter than the scoreline suggested.

The opening set remained on serve despite four breaks being exchanged, before Sabalenka secured a crucial break in the final game. The world No.1, aiming to complete the “Sunshine Double” after her recent Indian Wells triumph, raised her level in the second set, applying sustained pressure on return to break McNally twice late on.

“She played really great tennis,” Sabalenka said, pointing to a hard-fought hold for 5-4 in the first set — a game that went to deuce five times — as a turning point.

Aryna Sabalenka said she was pleased to finish the match in straight sets after booking her place in the next round.

“I’m super happy to close this match in straight sets,” she said.

Sabalenka will next face China’s Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen, who defeated Madison Keys 6-2, 6-4. The win marked Zheng’s first victory over a top-20 opponent since returning from elbow surgery last July.

Elsewhere, world number two Elena Rybakina continued her strong run with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, moving into the last 16 with confidence.

Rybakina will next meet Australian qualifier Talia Gibson, who produced another impressive upset with a 6-2, 6-2 win over 18th seed Iva Jovic.

Gibson’s run continues after her earlier breakthrough victory over former world number one Naomi Osaka, adding another strong result to her breakout campaign.