Carlos Alcaraz steps away for family break after Miami Open loss to Sebastian Korda ahead of clay season

Carlos Alcaraz had a tough night at the 2026 Miami Open, and it ended earlier than many expected. On March 22, the World No. 1 lost to Sebastian Korda in the third round. The match went 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in Korda’s favor. It was a strong performance from the American, but for Alcaraz, it was another early exit in Miami, something fans did not see coming.

After the match, Alcaraz did not hide how he felt. Instead of rushing back into training, he spoke openly about needing a small break. The Spaniard said he wants to go home, spend time with family and friends, and clear his mind before the busy clay season begins. His focus now is not just tennis, but also getting himself mentally fresh again.

Carlos Alcaraz explains Miami Open loss to Sebastian Korda and his plan to reset before clay season

Speaking after the match, Carlos Alcaraz kept things honest and simple. He said, “Well, I don’t know. I don’t know. Probably I’m going to go back home, which I’m just looking forward to, stay chilling with my family, with my friends. A couple of days. I don’t know how much they, my team, are going to allow me to have rest and days off. And all of a sudden you just go back on track, go back on the court.”

He made it clear that this short break matters to him. The clay season is very close, and it includes big tournaments like Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros. Alcaraz wants to be ready, both in body and mind. He added, “The clay season is around the corner and I have really good tournaments that I’m excited about playing there. My mind right now is to take some days off, reset my mind, reset batteries and be ready and in a good state for the clay season.”

This is now the second straight year where Alcaraz has struggled in Miami. Last year, he lost in the second round to David Goffin, even after winning the first set. So this year’s result will feel even more disappointing for him.

At the same time, Alcaraz gave full credit to Sebastian Korda for the win. He said, “Sebi was incredible today. He played a magnificent match. There were many tense moments that I wasn’t able to take advantage of, and I think he was better in those points. I’d say that was the key to the match. Congratulations to him. He deserves it.”

With this result, Korda has now improved his record against Alcaraz to two wins and four losses. The American will next face Martin Landaluce in the fourth round as his Miami Open run continues.