Goffin sends Alcaraz packing in Miami

Belgian veteran David Goffin upset world number three Carlos Alcaraz fighting back for a three set win over the Spaniard at the Miami Open on Friday. (AL BELLO)

World number three Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock early exit from the Miami Open on Friday as Belgian veteran David Goffin fought back for an inspired 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 win at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday.

The 34-year-old Goffin beat Alcaraz three years ago in Astana in their last meeting and sensing the Spaniard was far from his best in the opening set, he went on the attack.

The 55th-ranked Goffin, whose world ranking reached No.7 in 2017, struck some glorious winners while Alcaraz was struggling with unforced errors.

The slightly built Goffin was up by a break in all three sets but having let Alcaraz recover in the first he showed poise and calm to stay on top.

"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 said.

Alcaraz was blunt in his assessment of his performance.

"In general, it was a poor level from me, I didn't play well," said Alcaraz who said he hed felt a little heavy in his legs despite coming into the game feeling in good shape.

"I thought I was going to play really good tennis but it didn't happen...playing a break down in the third set, not feeling great or confident physically, it's really tough to get back," he added.

Daniil Medvedev also headed home early after suffering a 6-2, 6-3 upset defeat to Spain's 56th-ranked Jaume Munar while Novak Djokovic powered to a straight sets win over Australian Rinky Hijikata.

Medvedev, the 2023 Miami champion, showed his frustration, hurling his racket on several occasions as Mallorca-born Munar, 27, picked up his third career win over a top 10 opponent.

The Russian made 32 unforced errors and although he gave himself a chance of a comeback in the final game, he couldn't convert on two break points.

Medvedev confirmed he had a problem with his back but said it was no excuse and gave credit to Munar.

"Yeah, I was not 100% physically, but I tried my best to get into the match. Every day was better and better. I had some problems after Indian Wells. Can happen.

"He played well, so that's why (he won) I wouldn't go to the match if I would kind of definitely know I'm not ready to win," he added.

Djokovic, who lost his first match in Indian Wells to a lucky loser, was in no mood for another disappointment as he beat 86th-ranked Hijikata 6-0, 7-6 (7/1) to snap his three-match losing streak.

Djokovic, who has won a record 40 titles at Masters 1000 level, has now equalled Rafael Nadal for most match wins (410) since the series' introduction in 1990.

Karen Khachanov ensured the Nick Kyrgios comeback trail was cut short with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-0 win.

Australian Kyrgios, who has struggled since wrist surgery, defeated Mackenzie McDonald in the first round to earn his first tour-level win since October 2022 but was unable to overcome Khachanov, who reached the semis in Miami in 2023.

- Swiatek advances -

In the women's draw, world number two Iga Swiatek advanced into the third round after surviving a second set dip to beat France's Caroline Garcia 6-2, 7-5.

Swiatek had beaten Garcia with ease at the same stage at Indian Wells earlier this month but she faced a little more resistance at Hard Rock Stadium.

Swiatek was 3-1 down in the second set and had to save a set point, when serving at 5-4 down before rallying to win the last three games.

Swiatek lost to Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals at Indian Wells, with the 17-year-old Russian going on to win the title.

Andreeva is in action later on Friday when she takes on fellow-Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

"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 said.

On the grandstand court, Britain's Emma Raducanu showed grit and perseverance to overcome eighth-seeded American Emma Navarro 7–6 (8/6), 2–6, 7–6 (7/4) in a two-hour, 53-minute battle.

sev/rcw

Topics

'Poor level': Alcaraz crashes out against Goffin in Miami

Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 defeat against Belgian David Goffin in the second round of the Miami Open which also ended his chance to move into second place in the world rankings. ...
Yahoo Sports - 2h
'A poor level from me' - Alcaraz out in Miami second round

A blunt Carlos Alcaraz says he played at "a poor level" in his surprise Miami Open second-round defeat by David Goffin.
Yahoo Sports - 5h
Alcaraz three-peat bid on track as Cerundolo downed

Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz fought off determined challenger Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of the Indian Wells ATP Masters.Alcaraz next ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Osaka wants to 'play with the big dogs' after Miami win

Former world number one Naomi Osaka wants to "play with the big dogs" after beating Yuliia Starodubtseva 3-6 6-4 6-3 in the Miami Open.
BBC News - 3d
BNP Paribas Open: Jack Draper stuns Carlos Alcaraz to reach first Indian Wells final

Draper’s win snaps Alcaraz’s 16-match win streak at Indian Wells, dating back to 2023.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Alcaraz 'does not support' Djokovic union's legal action

World number three Carlos Alcaraz says he does not support the legal action being taken against tennis' governing bodies by the players' union co-founded by Novak Djokovic.
BBC News - 2d
Kyrgios gets much needed boost with first win since 2022

Australian Nick Kyrgios won his first match since 2022 as he fought back from a set down to beat American Mackenzie McDonald 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the Miami Open on Wednesday.Monfils beat last year's ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Emma Raducanu finds ‘third wind’ to overcome Navarro in Miami Open epic

British No 2 beats American 7-6 (6), 2-6, 7-6 (3) Victory marks first career top-10 win on hard court Midway through the final set of an increasingly painful spectacle, it looked like Emma ...
The Guardian - 15h
Jack Draper to face Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells in first Masters 1000 semi-final

British No 1 defeats Ben Shelton 6-4 7-5 at BNP Paribas Open Draper meets two-time defending champion in last four in Indian Wells Jack Draper has booked his place in an ATP Masters 1000 ...
The Guardian - Mar. 14

Goffin sends Alcaraz packing in Miami

Topics

Related

'Poor level': Alcaraz crashes out against Goffin in Miami

'A poor level from me' - Alcaraz out in Miami second round

Alcaraz three-peat bid on track as Cerundolo downed

Osaka wants to 'play with the big dogs' after Miami win

BNP Paribas Open: Jack Draper stuns Carlos Alcaraz to reach first Indian Wells final

Alcaraz 'does not support' Djokovic union's legal action

Kyrgios gets much needed boost with first win since 2022

Emma Raducanu finds ‘third wind’ to overcome Navarro in Miami Open epic

Jack Draper to face Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells in first Masters 1000 semi-final

More from Yahoo Sports

Saints showing strong interest in BYU offensive tackle prospect with rare measurables

St. John's player did a 'sniper' bench celebration that disappointed fans

Michael Page targets Colby Covington or Kamaru Usman for next UFC fight

Updated NCAA Tournament East Region bracket, television schedule entering round of 32

Another former Bengals player joins Texans in NFL free agency

More in Sports

Saints showing strong interest in BYU offensive tackle prospect with rare measurables

St. John's player did a 'sniper' bench celebration that disappointed fans

Michael Page targets Colby Covington or Kamaru Usman for next UFC fight

Updated NCAA Tournament East Region bracket, television schedule entering round of 32

England thrive in Thomas Tuchel's debut as Jude Bellingham stars and an answer at left back finally emerges