World number three, Carlos Alcaraz, has been eliminated from the Miami Open in an unexpected start to his campaign to defend his title. On the night of March 21, 2025, Alcaraz faced off against Belgium’s David Goffin, who managed to secure a stunning upset with scores of 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Alcaraz, who was the top favorite after winning the tournament back in 2022, struggled throughout the match despite taking an early lead by winning the first set. Goffin, ranked 55th in the world, took advantage of Alcaraz’s inconsistency, notably in his serving game. Ultimately, Alcaraz couldn’t maintain his momentum and was unable to find his rhythm against the inspired Goffin.
"Tonight was a perfect night, everything was there, and I felt great on the court," said Goffin after the match, reflecting on what has been described as one of the best performances of his career. He added, "You enjoy a night like this; you feel your legs are good." Goffin’s confidence was evident as he made critical breaks during the match, notably taking the second set after performing exceptionally well in crucial points.
The match began with Alcaraz securing the first set after a tough fight, where he managed to pull off a late break to win 7-5. However, in the second set, Goffin found a way to break Alcaraz’s serve, indicating the shift in momentum towards the experienced Belgian. This shift became more pronounced in the third set when Goffin broke Alcaraz in the very first game, setting the tone for the remainder and creating an uphill battle for Alcaraz.
With 42 unforced errors to Goffin’s 26, Alcaraz’s performance was marred with mistakes, frustrating both him and his supporters. For Alcaraz, this defeat marked his fourth loss out of 19 matches this season, coming soon after reaching the semifinals at Indian Wells but failing to capture momentum at the Miami Open.
Goffin will move on to face American Brandon Nakashima in the third round, who earlier dispatched Spanish opponent Roberto Carballes Baena with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. The road ahead will be challenging, but Goffin has reaffirmed his capability by taking out such a high-ranked player. Alcaraz's performance in Miami raises questions ahead of the upcoming tournaments and the need for him to refine his game, particularly as the Miami Open is crucial for top players aiming for the season's hard court masteries.
This unexpected elimination for Alcaraz emphasizes the unpredictable nature of tennis, where even established champions can find themselves ousted by rising or seasoned players. As Goffin himself put it, "A night like this, you feel the crowd, you feel the atmosphere; it's incredible." His victory not only signifies his resilience but also serves as a reminder that in this competitive sport, anything can happen on any given day.
