Landaluce Extends Honeymoon with Nadal-Style Comeback Victory
Martín Landaluce advanced to the quarterfinals at the Miami Masters after a dramatic win on Tuesday. He defeated American Sebastian Korda 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-4 in two hours and 28 minutes.
The 20-year-old from Madrid staged a Nadal-style comeback and saved a match point in the second-set tiebreak. His victory continued a remarkable run that has raised his profile this season.
Match details
Korda dominated early and took the first set with authority. He did not concede a break until the third set.
Landaluce steadied and turned the match in the second-set tiebreak. He recovered from a deficit, edged the breaker 8-6, and forced a deciding set.
During the interval, Korda requested medical attention for back discomfort. Landaluce opened the final set 3-0, then held firm when Korda rallied to level.
He closed out the match with two return match points and converted on one. His team, including his partner and sister, were visibly tense and supportive courtside.
Records and significance
Landaluce is the lowest-ranked quarterfinalist in Miami since Jim Grabb in 1994. He sits at world No. 151 until the rankings update next Monday.
He became only the fifth qualifier to reach the Miami quarterfinals. The other qualifiers to do so were:
- Steve Campbell (1998)
- Guillermo Cañas (2007)
- Felix Auger-Aliassime (2019)
- Christopher Eubanks (2023)
Landaluce now has six ATP-level wins, four of them at the Hard Rock Stadium complex. He is also the first player born in 2006 to reach the last eight at a Masters 1000 event.
Reactions and next steps
Rafa Nadal praised Landaluce’s progress and high level of play. Nadal noted the player’s improved movement and determination while suggesting minor adjustments could help.
After the match, Landaluce said he felt proud and focused only on the next challenge. He emphasized taking matches one at a time and building on small improvements.
His next opponent will be Jiri Lehecka, who ousted Taylor Fritz earlier in the tournament. Given what Landaluce has shown, Lehecka will face a confident and in-form rival.
Filmogaz.com will follow the build-up to the quarterfinal and provide updates on the clash at Miami.
