Alcaraz Suffers Shock Defeat to Korda at Miami Open, Sabalenka Advances

World number one Carlos Alcaraz was handed a surprise defeat by American Sebastian Korda in the third round of the Miami Open, with Korda claiming the biggest victory of his career with a 6-3 5-7 6-4 win. The American had seemed to let his chance slip when he failed to serve out the match in the second set, but he regained his composure to break for 5-3 in the third set and secure the win with an unreturnable serve. Korda, ranked 36th in the world, effectively mixed up his game, utilizing a serve and volley to notch his first win over a top-ranked player, while also benefiting from an uncharacteristically sloppy performance from Alcaraz. In the women's singles, top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka cruised to a 6-4 6-2 win over Catherine McNally, as she bids to claim the 'Sunshine Double' after her victory at Indian Wells last week. Sabalenka will now face China's Zheng Qinwen, who knocked out 15th seed Madison Keys. There were also victories for reigning Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula. Alcaraz, who began the year by winning his seventh Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, remained positive after his defeat, stating: 'I think the process has been good. Besides the loss today, I think I'm still on the right path.' Korda, who will now face Spanish qualifier Martín Landaluce, said of his victory over Alcaraz: 'It feels great. I took the scenic route, but I'm happy with how I played and how I stayed with it.' Elsewhere in the men's singles, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul joined Korda in progressing, while on the women's side, Rybakina and Pegula also advanced. The Miami Open continues until March 29, with live coverage available on Sky Sports.