In a stunning turn of events at the Miami Open, world number three Carlos Alcaraz faced an unexpected defeat against veteran Belgian player David Goffin. The match, held at the Hard Rock Stadium on March 21, 2025, saw Goffin triumph in three sets, with scores of 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, marking a significant upset in the tournament.
Goffin, ranked 55th, showcased his tactical prowess by breaking Alcaraz in each of the three sets, decisively executing the final point that culminated in his victory. With Alcaraz sliding to make a return and unable to hit Goffin’s expertly placed forehand, the match concluded on Goffin’s second match point. Having previously bested Alcaraz in their last meeting three years ago in Astana, Goffin's win further solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor.
"It’s that kind of night that I will remember for sure -- against Carlos and in a stadium like that. And the night that gave me a lot of confidence to continue," Goffin remarked after the match. His triumph allows him to progress to the next round, where he will face American Brandon Nakashima, who defeated Roberto Carballes Baena with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
In other notable matchups, Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic marked his highly anticipated return to the Miami Open with a straight-sets win over Australian Rinky Hijikata. Djokovic dispatched Hijikata with ease, winning 6-0, 7-6(1), in what was his first appearance in Miami since 2019. This victory not only marked Djokovic's comeback but also represented his 410th ATP Masters 1000 match win, which tied him with Rafael Nadal for the most all-time wins in the series since its inception.
"I wanted to make a statement to myself and to others, as well, that I’m still able to play on a high level," Djokovic told reporters following his match. He asserted dominance from the start, wrapping up the opening set quite rapidly in just 27 minutes. The second set presented more of a challenge, yet Djokovic managed to take control in the tiebreak, winning the last six points in a row.
In stark contrast, reigning Miami champion Daniil Medvedev faced an early exit, losing in straight sets to Jaume Munar, with scores of 6-2, 6-3. Medvedev expressed frustration over his performance, with 32 unforced errors contributing to his defeat. Despite having back issues, which he avoided using as an excuse, he acknowledged Munar played exceptionally. "Yeah, I was not 100% physically, but I tried my best to get into the match. Every day was better and better," Medvedev said.
Other matchups included Casper Ruud and Grigor Dimitrov, both of whom advanced to the next round. In a surprising turn, Australian Nick Kyrgios, who recently secured his first victory since 2022, was eliminated by Karen Khachanov, with the match ending 7-6(3), 6-0.
On the women's side, Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva continued to impress, defeating Veronika Kudermetova 6-0, 6-2. Andreeva, fresh off her victory at Indian Wells, will next face Doha champion Amanda Anisimova. Iga Swiatek, currently ranked second, also progressed after overcoming Caroline Garcia with a straight-sets victory of 6-2, 7-5, setting up a match against Belgian Elise Mertens.
"My energy level got down really fast. So I tried to wake myself up, keep the intensity from the first set, follow through and go for it," Swiatek reflected on her performance, noting the challenges she faced in the second set.
Additionally, U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu displayed tremendous grit, winning a hard-fought match against Emma Navarro with scores of 7-6(6), 2-6, 7-6(3). The match spanned nearly three hours, showcasing Raducanu’s determination and resilience and she moved into the next round.
As the tournament progresses, anticipation grows for pivotal matches, especially with Goffin’s matchup against Nakashima and Djokovic's ongoing pursuit of title number 41 at the Miami Open. With dynamic performances expected from both the remaining men's and women's competitors, the Miami Open continues to serve as a stage for breathtaking tennis.
