Landaluce draws inspiration from Ferrero, Ferrer, Nadal, and Alcaraz: "All Spaniards have that spirit"
The Spaniard drew on his epic skills to save a match point against Korda and reach his first quarterfinals in a Masters 1000 event.
Martín Landaluce will never forget this Miami Open 2026. The American tournament could be a turning point in his career. From the qualifying rounds to the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000 event, he faced tough opponents like Luciano Darderi, Karen Khachanov, and Sebastian Korda.
In fact, with the latter, he had to deal with a match point against him in the second-set tiebreak. However, he was brave, played a cross-court backhand, leveled the match, and then sealed the victory in the third set (2-6, 7-6(8), 6-4). It was at that moment when the Madrid native showed the determination and resilience reminiscent of other great Spanish players.
Following his victory and before facing Jiri Lehecka, Landaluce confessed that he drew inspiration from Juan Carlos Ferrero, David Ferrer, Rafa Nadal, and even Carlos Alcaraz, to navigate through that challenging phase. He also talked about his dream weeks in Miami and the keys to defeating Korda.
Furthermore, he has broken several barriers. He has become the first player born in 2006 to reach the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000 event, and he is on the verge of entering the Top 100, securing his best ranking position (103rd).
Martín Landaluce recalls Spanish tennis legends to explain his comeback against Korda in Miami
"I felt I could do it (when facing match point). I needed to hit a good shot, and I managed to hit a winner. Winning like that gives an amazing feeling. I continued in the same manner on the following points. All Spanish players have that spirit: Ferrero, Ferrer, of course, Nadal,... And also Carlitos! I have lived this throughout my career. When I found myself in that situation, I told myself ‘I have to do the same thing’".
Pleased with the high level he is showing
"This victory means everything to me. I am playing at a very high level this week. I knew I had to because there are incredible players in this tournament from the qualifiers onwards. The matches are very demanding in each round. I am very happy to be here, to play against great rivals".
Explained the keys to his victory over Korda
"Today I gave it my all. From the start, I tried to be very aggressive, went for the match in crucial moments. I saved a match point, so this is crazy for me to feel all of this and believe that I can be in the quarterfinals. So, I will try to continue this way in the next round", affirms Martín Landaluce who does not want anyone to wake him up from this dream and will step onto the court against Lehecka with that fighting spirit so characteristic of Spanish tennis.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Landaluce se inspira en Ferrero, Ferrer, Nadal y Alcaraz: "Todos los españoles tienen ese espíritu"