Carlos Alcaraz admits a Miami Open comeback could be impossible — Here is why

Carlos Alcaraz has made another early exit from the Miami Open, marking back-to-back early departures for the world number one.

He was knocked out in the third round by Sebastian Korda, in a result that caught many off guard. Alcaraz’s last win at either of the Sunshine Double events goes back to 2024, and since then, he hasn’t found much success at those tournaments.

This latest loss has led some to wonder if he’ll ever lift the Miami trophy again. Speaking on Prime Video after his defeat, Mark Petchey and Andrea Petkovic were open about their doubts regarding his future chances in Miami.

Why Mark Petchey doubts Carlos Alcaraz will win another Miami Open title

Petchey pointed to several factors that have played a role in Alcaraz’s recent struggles. “His injuries have played a part,” he explained. “I also think there’s so much physicality now on both sides of the game because of how hard people hit the ball.”

He continued: “It wasn’t just purely down one side where you can play forehands or as we see him slide into this open stance slice backhand which is like his half-volley drop shot from inside the baseline – that kind of shot gives him a chance.”

Andrea Petkovic Sceptical About Carlos Alcaraz’s Future in Miami: “We just don’t see anything like it right now,” Petkovic said. “And I don’t think so unless something dramatically changes about this event and about his approach maybe even towards these two tournaments – I don’t think he will [win another].”

Mark Petchey questions Carlos Alcaraz’s Miami Open future

Mark Petchey spoke about Alcaraz’s Miami Open exit on TC Live, pointing out that it might have been due to the heavy workload he’s already carried in 2026.

“I think the tennis is quite difficult. I think we forget how young Carlos is and coming off doing the career slam, the youngest man to ever do that, to then go into the Middle East and play in Indian Wells, these tournaments are so long now that there is a long time for you to stay in the game,” he said.

The Spaniard had played 17 matches across three tournaments – Melbourne, Doha and Indian Wells – before arriving in Miami. Petchey even suggested that changes to the calendar could keep Alcaraz from ever winning another title in Miami.

“Honestly, he has won here before Carlos, this may be the tournament that he never wins again because of the way the calendar is,” Petchey added.

Petchovic also offered her view on why Alcaraz tends to perform better at Indian Wells compared to Miami.

“He will always be better at Indian Wells. His game suits Indian Wells better because the heavy forehand jumps and if he wins there or goes far, then he has to come here. That is why it’s so hard to win the Sunshine Double!”

Carlos Alcaraz may regret the decision at the start of the 2026 season

No one would have predicted Sebastian Korda beating world number one Alcaraz going into this year’s Miami Open match-up.

However, those who did back Korda could point towards a clear reason for an upset heading into their third-round match: fatigue on Alcaraz’s part following a hectic start to 2026.

No one can blame him either for making that decision; however, it would have cost him another good run at an ATP 1000 event like Miami Open. At least it added $1 million plus more from his ATP prize winnings!

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