“I can’t take it anymore, I want to go home now" - Carlos Alcaraz let his intentions clear to team during surprising Korda defeat

The huge surprise of the 2026 Miami Open came when world number one Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out of the competition by an outstanding Sebastian Korda. The writing on the wall seemed to be there for Alcaraz to see as he was involved in an exchange with his team at the start of the second set, arguing whether he should continue or 'go home.'

After winning his first 16 matches of 2026, which included titles at the Australian Open and Qatar Open, the Spaniard's dream run came unstuck against a rejuvenated Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells in the semi-final stage. The former US Open champion produced a high level to see off Alcaraz in rampant fashion.

Since picking up his 16th consecutive win, Alcaraz has now lost two matches in three. He quickly hopped to the other side of the country to compete in the Miami Open, a tournament he won back in 2022 as an 18-year-old, making his mark on tennis. Since then, his results have gotten progressively worse. A second round exit last year to David Goffin was a hugely damaging defeat for Alcaraz. He managed to make it one step further than last yer thanks to a straight sets win over Joao Fonseca in a highly anticipated matchup, but lightning would to an extent strike twice for Alcaraz in Florida as his tournament ends early and he is left to ponder what could have been.

The American made his move late in the first set, and was not met by a reaction from Alcaraz. From 3-3, Korda continued the holds of serve before picking up a hugely crucial and deserved break to set up a situation where he was serving for the set. It was done clinically and just like that he was halfway to defeating the seven-time Grand Slam champion.

It seemed Alcaraz just did not have what he previously had on court when he was defeating and destroying everyone coming near him in the opening couple of months. His frustration was simmering on the surface, clear as daylight for everyone to see.

He would still be favoured by many to complete a comeback, but not by the most important person: himself. “It’s just to make it look better, a 6-3, 6-4 or 6-3, 7-5, something like that. I can’t do any more, I can’t do any more,” Alcaraz told his coach Samuel Lopez over in his camp.

His team was not ready to let him quit, attempting to motivate and rally him. “Come on, go all the way.” But Alcaraz was in no mood to stay on court. “I can’t take it anymore, I want to go home now, man. I can’t take it anymore, I can’t take it anymore, I can’t take it anymore.”

His dream came to fruition when, after he levelled the match up, Korda snuck in front and produced an incredible win against the world number one. He will advance and take on qualifier Martin Landaluce in a huge opportunity for the pair. For Alcaraz, he has squandered another opportunity to gain some points over his rival Jannik Sinner. He can now go home as he looks towards the clay swing. 1000 points are on the line at the Monte-Carlo Masters as Alcaraz looks to kick off the next period in the 2026 tennis calendar with a bang.