Overview
- Carlos Alcaraz beat 19-year-old Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-4, securing one break per set and saving all three break points in a 1 hour, 35 minute win at Hard Rock Stadium.
- He next faces No. 32 seed Sebastian Korda, who advanced by defeating Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-0, 6-3.
- The matchup was their first official ATP meeting after a December exhibition in Miami, with the Brazilian backed by a large, vocal crowd.
- Alcaraz improved to 17-1 in 2026 after a semi-final loss to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells, a season that already includes the Australian Open title and a Doha trophy.
- Post-match, Alcaraz praised Fonseca’s tools and said consecutive encounters with the world’s top two will speed his growth, as Fonseca’s popularity in Miami has even influenced stadium scheduling, according to director James Blake.