Koda Upsets Alcaraz: McEnroe's "Inner Reflection" Advice Became My Turning Point

In the third round of the Miami Open, 25-year-old American player Koda defeated world number one Alcaraz in three sets, marking his first career victory over a reigning world number one and advancing strongly to the fourth round. After the match, Koda admitted that this milestone win was indebted to a crucial insight previously shared by tennis legend John McEnroe.

Early this season at the Dallas event, Koda happened to meet McEnroe, who was there for an exhibition match. The seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one specifically took time to converse with him, focusing on helping him find his own positioning on the court and engage in deep inner reflection. "He told me I must settle down and examine myself, figure out who I am, why I play tennis, and why I love this sport," Koda said, noting that this conversation became key to his resurgence.

Koda's career had previously hit a low point. In 2025, he missed two and a half months due to a right tibial stress fracture, dropping to rank 86, with both his physical and mental state in decline. After a first-round exit at the Australian Open, he proactively chose to drop down to play the San Diego Challenger, solely to regain his match feel in a high-pressure environment, eventually reaching the final.

The subsequent dialogue with McEnroe further clarified his thinking. With this awakening, Koda won his third ATP Tour title at the Delray Beach event, and his form steadily recovered.

In the match against Alcaraz, Koda once missed a service game that could have sealed the set in the second set, allowing his opponent to drag him into a deciding set. Amid an atmosphere where most spectators supported Alcaraz, he held firm under pressure, regained control in the deciding set, and secured this heavyweight victory. Koda joked that he actually thrives in an "away atmosphere"; regardless of which side the crowd supports, he enjoys intense match environments.

Another reason for his resurgence is the addition of former Top 40 player Ryan Harrison to his coaching team. Koda stated that their training is focused, communication thorough, not overly dwelling on wins and losses, nor being driven by emotion, allowing him to rediscover the joy of tennis.

Spanish young player Landaluce

Next, Koda will face 20-year-old Spanish qualifier Landaluce, needing just one more win to equal his best Miami Masters quarterfinal result. Emerging from the slump of injury, rediscovering his初心 through introspection, Koda now returns to the top tier with clearer, firmer stance.

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