Carlos Alcaraz Reflects on Shock Miami Open Defeat to David Goffin
Carlos Alcaraz admitted to playing below his best following a stunning defeat to David Goffin in the second round of the 2025 Miami Open. Meanwhile, Goffin—who currently holds a ranking of No. 55 but was once a world No. 7—revealed the key tactics behind his 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory over the second seed.
Alcaraz Struggles to Find His Rhythm
Alcaraz initially fought back from a break down in the opening set to claim it 7-5, but the 34-year-old Belgian dominated the match thereafter. From the second set onwards, Goffin did not face a single break point, while Alcaraz was broken three times as his performance dipped sharply.
This latest loss marks back-to-back defeats for Alcaraz, following his Indian Wells semi-final exit to Jack Draper last week. Speaking in his post-match press conference, the 2022 Miami Open champion offered a candid assessment of his performance.
“It was a poor level from me,” Alcaraz admitted. “I just wanted to play better. After the first set, I thought I was going to improve.”
However, Alcaraz acknowledged that Goffin elevated his game, while he himself failed to do the same.
“He played well, he played good tennis. My level didn’t increase, and I think his did after the first set.”
The world No. 3 also pointed to physical discomfort, though he ruled out any injury or illness.
“I didn’t play well, and physically I didn’t feel right. When you don’t feel confident in your body, it’s tough to maintain good tennis,” he explained. “I wasn’t injured, I wasn’t sick—I felt fine before the match. Maybe a little nervous, but that’s normal. I just expected to play really good tennis, and it didn’t happen.”
Goffin’s Tactical Approach
Goffin now leads 2-1 in his head-to-head against Alcaraz, having also defeated him in Astana in 2022. Reflecting on the victory, the six-time ATP title winner emphasized the importance of being aggressive.
“It feels amazing. Sometimes matches are tough, like my first round (where he came from behind to beat Aleksandar Vukic), so I was happy to have a second-round match like this, in a big stadium,” Goffin said.
The Belgian revealed that attacking Alcaraz’s second serve was a crucial part of his game plan.
“The key was to be aggressive from the return, especially on his second serve,” he explained. “On his first serve, sometimes he hits the target perfectly, and you can’t do anything. But on the second serve, I had to take risks—even if I missed—because if you’re passive, he takes control with his forehand. And when that happens, you’re dead.”
What’s Next?
For Alcaraz, this defeat raises questions about his form heading into the clay-court season. Meanwhile, Goffin’s victory keeps his Miami Open run alive, proving that—even at 34—he remains a dangerous competitor on the ATP Tour.
