“Control what I can control”: Korda details strategy after stunning Alcaraz at Miami Open

Sebastian Korda produced one of the defining results of the Miami Open, defeating World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to reach the Round of 16. The American controlled key phases through his serve and structured baseline play, later describing his mindset as rooted in “commitment and belief” throughout the match.

The result continues a difficult recent pattern for Alcaraz in Miami, where he has now exited in the opening week in consecutive appearances. For Korda, it marks one of the most complete performances of his career, built on a measured approach and a focus on “controlling what I can control” in high-pressure moments.

Beyond the scoreline, Korda’s post-match comments pointed to a clear shift in approach. Rather than relying on high-risk shot-making, he emphasised discipline, structure and a reduced tendency to overplay against top opponents.

The win also reshapes this section of the draw, with Korda now set to face qualifer Martin Landaluce, who is making his first appearance in the Round of 16 after upsetting Karen Khachanov. However, his reflections centred less on the result itself and more on the process that allowed him to convert a winning position this time.

Korda repeatedly returned to belief as the central element of his performance, framing it as the foundation for his decision-making across the match. Rather than adjusting tactics between sets, he emphasised maintaining the same mental structure regardless of momentum shifts, particularly after losing the second set.

“The aim was commitment and belief. I was reading my Bible this morning, Mark 9:23 — ‘Anyone who believes, all is possible.’ That was the only thing I was thinking about the whole time," the American said to Tennis Channel. I was going to control whatever I could control on my side, stay positive and committed.”

That approach was closely tied to his effort to simplify his game under pressure. Korda acknowledged that in previous matches against top players, he had often tried to do too much, particularly when ahead on the scoreboard. Against Alcaraz, he aimed to reduce that tendency by staying within his natural patterns.

“When I was playing these top guys, I was spraying a little bit too much. I was going for things I don’t really need to. I tried to be more, in a way, average — not trying to hit screamers out of nowhere, just using the pace on my ball and being committed.”

This adjustment became particularly relevant in the closing stages. Korda had previously struggled to convert winning positions, but this time he maintained clarity even as the match tightened. The ability to stay within that structure allowed him to manage the final games without a significant drop in level.

“I’ve played a lot of great players and haven’t been able to get it done. I’ve gotten myself into winning positions but just haven’t been able to cross that line. Learning from those situations… I feel like I’ve done it better these last couple of weeks. Today, I crossed the line.”

From a tactical perspective, Korda focused on limiting Alcaraz’s ability to dictate, particularly from the forehand side. His plan centred on forcing movement and preventing the Spaniard from settling into repeatable patterns from the baseline. “I didn’t want him standing in one corner and just batting balls away. I wanted him moving. I didn’t want him running around his backhand and hitting forehands too much because it’s so tricky after. He hides it so well, you have no idea where it’s going.”

That approach required a balance between aggression and control. Korda looked to step forward and take time away from Alcaraz, but without overcommitting on individual shots. The emphasis remained on constructing points rather than finishing them early.

“I wanted to be aggressive but in a controlled way, not redlining and going for screamers out of nowhere. I tried to get to the net as much as possible, even though he was hitting at my feet. I knew that was the only way I could trouble him.”

The numbers reflected that structure. Korda hit 12 aces and maintained a strong first-serve performance, while also applying pressure on Alcaraz’s second serve, where the Spaniard dropped to 42% of points won. That combination allowed Korda to control shorter exchanges and avoid extended defensive rallies.

He described much of the match as being played in a “flow state,” where execution replaced conscious decision-making. Even in the closing stages, he relied on that same approach to manage the final games. “I wasn’t thinking. I was in a flow state. That’s where you want to be as a tennis player. I did get a little tight at 5-4, I’m not going to lie, but I reset after that, got back to battling and took care of my serve.”

Korda also framed the result within a longer-term process shaped by setbacks, particularly injuries that have limited his continuity on tour. Since 2022, he has experienced repeated interruptions, which he identified as a key factor in his difficulty maintaining consistent results. “Since 2022, I’ve averaged three or four months a year not playing. That’s a pretty big gap. You lose that competitive feeling a little bit, and then you’re just trying to find it again.”

His recent work with coach Ryan has focused on making his game more proactive, particularly on the forehand side. Against Alcaraz, that shift was evident in his ability to dictate without overextending, maintaining control across longer exchanges. “We’ve done a lot of emphasis on hitting and ripping my forehand more, going after it. A lot of the times I’d get bullied on that side. Now I’m trying to bully other people with my forehand. Also hitting my spots better and getting to the net has been key for us.”

The emphasis now moves toward sustaining this level across multiple matches. While the win over Alcaraz represents a significant step, Korda’s own assessment remains focused on consistency and repetition rather than isolated results. “Just trying to stay consistent as much as possible, keep believing, keep playing. Getting myself into these stressful situations is only going to help me.”