Carlos Alcaraz (Image via Getty)

Carlos Alcaraz had a tough night at the 2026 Miami Open and it ended earlier than many expected. On 22 March, the world No. 1 lost to Sebastian Korda in the third round. The match went 6–3, 5–7, 6–4 in favor of Korda. It was a strong performance from the American, but for Alcaraz, it was another early exit in Miami that fans didn’t see coming.After the match, Alcaraz did not hide how he was feeling. Instead of rushing into training, he opened up about needing a short break. The Spaniard said he wanted 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 on tennis but also on rejuvenating himself mentally.

Carlos Alcaraz talks about his Miami Open loss to Sebastian Korda and his plan to reset ahead of clay season

Speaking after the match, Carlos Alcaraz kept things honest and simple. He said, “Well, I don’t know. I don’t know. Maybe I’m going to go back home, which I’m looking forward to, relax with my family, with my friends. A few days. I don’t know how much they, my team, are going to give me how much rest and a few days off. And all of a sudden you go back on track, back on the court.”He made it clear that this short break is important for him. The clay season is very close, and includes big tournaments like Monte Carlo, Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros. Alcaraz wants to be prepared in both body and mind. He added, “Clay season is around the corner and I have really good tournaments lined up and I’m excited to play there. I just feel like taking a few days off, resetting my mind, resetting my batteries and being ready and in good shape for the clay season.“This is now the second year in a row that Alcaraz has struggled in Miami. Last year, he lost to David Goffin in the second round despite winning the first set. In such a situation, this year’s result will seem even more disappointing for them.At the same time, Alcaraz gave full credit for the victory to Sebastian Korda. “Sebi was unbelievable today. He played a great match. There were a lot of tense moments that I couldn’t take advantage of and I think he was better in those points. I would say that was the key to the match. Congratulations to him. He deserves it,” he said.With this result, Korda has now improved its record against Alcaraz to two wins and four losses. The American will face Martin Landalues ​​in the fourth round as his form continues at the Miami Open.