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Sebastian Korda ended Carlos Alcaraz's hot streak, edging the Spanish sensation 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-3 to advance to the third round of the Monte-Carlo Masters.
Korda, who won his first title on the clay of Parma last year, bested the Miami champion Alcaraz in their first meeting on the surface.
Sebastian Korda vs Carlos Alcaraz Score
Sebastian Korda beat Carlos Alcaraz, 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-3.
Sebastian Korda vs Carlos Alcaraz Winner
Alcaraz had beaten Korda 4-3(5), 4-2, 4-2 in their first meeting, in the Next Gen ATP Finals last November. But this time, the American came better prepared.
Korda held firm when it mattered most in the match. He broke Alcaraz both times the Spaniard served for the first set before winning the ensuing tie-break. Korda faltered slightly in the second, losing a close tie-break before shaking off a slow start in the third to take the victory.
A crosscourt volley gave Korda a match point, which was wiped out by his own errant forehand. The American made no mistake on his second opportunity, sealing the win after Alcaraz's return sailed long.
Sebastian Korda vs Carlos Alcaraz Recap
Alcaraz and Korda fought in a nip-and-tuck first set as they exchanged breaks. The Spaniard, ranked No. 11, got a couple of chances to take the set on his serve at 5-4 and 6-5, but faltered against the resilient Korda.
The 21-year-old American drew first blood in the tie-break, earning a mini-break as Alcaraz netted his forehand at 2-1.
He built on his early lead and attacked the Spaniard's serve to bring up four set points at 6-2. Korda converted the first one with a drop shot.
It was another see-saw contest in the second as Alcaraz lost an early 3-0 lead and the two players found themselves entangled in yet another tie-break. But the Spaniard toughened up this time around as he converted his fifth set point with a forehand winner.
Alcaraz took the early initiative in the third to break for a 2-0 lead but just could not shake off the pesky American. Korda turned it into a close contest again, pulling level at 3-3 before taking the last three games.
He will next face the 10th seed and reigning Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz in an all-American third-round clash.
