"It’s Annoying": Carlos Alcaraz Reflects on Miami Open Exit and the "Target on His Back" Following Career Grand Slam Milestone

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz calls his rivals' elevated play "annoying" after a shock loss to Sebastian Korda. Read his post-match reaction.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 5:15 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Mental Hurdles in the Sunshine Double

Carlos Alcaraz’s departure from the Miami Open marks a significant transitional moment for the 22-year-old superstar. After a historic start to 2026, the Spaniard has faced consecutive setbacks in the "Sunshine Double," losing to Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells before falling to Korda in Florida. In a candid post-match press conference, Alcaraz identified the psychological shift occurring across the net, noting that opponents now seem to play at an elevated, pressure-free level specifically when facing him.

Crucial Points and Korda’s Resurgence

The match against World No. 36 Sebastian Korda was a contest of high-stakes momentum. While Alcaraz showed a glimpse of his trademark grit by breaking Korda at 5-4 in the second set to extend the match, he was unable to capitalize on key opportunities. "I didn’t play a good point at a lot of the 30-alls, 40-alls, the advantages," Alcaraz admitted. Korda, who has been hampered by injuries recently, utilized his superior serving power and baseline aggression to secure his first-ever victory over a reigning world number one.

The "Annoying" Reality of World No. 1 Status

Alcaraz did not mince words when discussing the target on his back. He explained that because he is currently the benchmark for excellence in the sport, rivals feel they have everything to gain and nothing to lose. When asked if this dynamic was frustrating, Alcaraz replied, "It’s a bit annoying, but you have to accept it and keep going." Despite the recent losses, he insisted that he remains "in the right place" and trusts in his tactical weapons to navigate this new phase of his career.