Player Highlights
Martin Landaluce Shines in Miami: ‘Everything’s Aligning This Week, and I Hope it Lasts’
The Spaniard faces Lehecka on Wednesday
March 25, 2026
ATP Tour
Martin Landaluce has reached his inaugural ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final!
By ATPTour.com/es Staff
This week has been pivotal for Martin Landaluce in Miami. At just 20 years old, he’s not only made it to the quarter-finals of an ATP Masters 1000 but has done so in an impressive fashion.
After navigating through two qualification rounds, Landaluce has taken down three Top-50 players, a remarkable feat considering he hadn’t won against that level before arriving in Florida.
“Pulling this off post-qualifying is a surreal experience, but it’s something I aim to achieve in every tournament. The competition here is incredibly intense,” Landaluce shared. “I feel pride in parts of my matches and focus solely on the next challenge. Long-term thinking will only hinder me; right now, it’s all about the quarter-finals and making tomorrow count.”
His latest victory came against Sebastian Korda, who had previously eliminated Carlos Alcaraz from the tournament. The match was a nail-biter, starting with Landaluce losing the first set 2-6, saving a match point in the second-set tie-break, and ultimately overcoming Korda with a final score of 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-4.
Landaluce’s ability to remain composed under pressure was the cornerstone of his match. In the decisive tie-break, he remained resilient as Korda stood on the brink of victory. By turning the tide in critical moments, Landaluce not only forged ahead but also secured his spot in the next round with remarkable tenacity.
Reflecting on his performance, he stated, “At 5-4, serving for the match, I encountered a challenge. I don’t think I faltered; instead, he ramped up his play, and at this elite level, small lapses can shift the momentum drastically.”
This comeback wasn’t merely a one-time occurrence; it’s a trend Landaluce has embraced this week, tackling tough opponents with an unwavering spirit. “Once he broke me and elevated his play, I knew I had to dig deep. These players are exceptional, and you must pursue every point. It’s been a confidence booster.”
What’s more impressive is the backdrop of his triumphs. Starting the tournament ranked No. 151 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Landaluce has made history as the first player born in 2006 to advance to the quarter-finals in such a prestigious tournament.
His journey has been anything but straightforward. From facing Luciano Darderi to triumphing over Karen Khachanov and now Korda, Landaluce has continuously pushed boundaries.
So how does Landaluce attribute his success? It boils down to consistency, a solid routine, and a relentless drive to maintain high standards: “To perform consistently, I rely on a stable routine that promotes daily normalcy. This week, I’ve resisted complacency, ensuring I play at the required level against formidable opponents.”
Interestingly, Landaluce finds himself close to breaking into the Top 100 of the PIF ATP Rankings, a reminder of how closely contested the Tours have become.
“The quality in the Challenger Tours and among the Top 100 is immense. Some athletes take considerable time to break through due to this tough competition,” Landaluce explained. “This week, everything feels aligned, and I hope to carry this momentum forward.”
As fans may not realize, Landaluce has frequently qualified for the ATP Next Gen Accelerator, which thrives on nurturing new talent through various entry avenues. His experiences over the last year have been stepping stones, leading to his success in Miami.
On a more personal note, Landaluce dedicated his triumph over Korda to his late grandmother.
After the match, he highlighted the importance of the support network around him, which can be pivotal in critical moments. “I occasionally chat with Carlitos and Rafa. Their encouragement has been vital, and knowing they support Spanish tennis gives me strength to keep striving.”
Nadal himself took notice of Landaluce’s achievement, commenting, “He has made significant strides forward. His talent is evident, and he just needs to hone a few aspects to elevate his game further.”
The next challenge is not merely to have an “extraordinary tournament” but to vie for a spot in the Masters 1000 semi-finals—an incredible leap for someone with an 0-4 record against Top 50 players prior to this week.
