Martín Landaluce shines at the Miami Open and achieves the best ATP ranking of his career

30.03.2026

RNA Editorial.

If the 2025 Miami Open was the tournament where Alex Eala broke through, surprising the world by reaching the semifinals, the 2026 edition has marked a decisive step in the career of another young talent developed at the Rafa Nadal Academy: Martín Landaluce.

The Spanish player, just 20 years old, delivered an outstanding performance in Florida by reaching the quarterfinals of an ATP Masters 1000 for the first time, confirming his progress and establishing himself as one of the biggest prospects in international tennis.

Landaluce built his feat on wins over Top 20 players. In the round of 16, he produced a superb comeback against American Sebastian Korda, beating him 2-6, 7-6 (6) and 6-4 in a highly demanding match. Earlier, he had defeated Russia’s Karen Khachanov in the third round (6-3, 7-6(2)), Italy’s Luciano Darderi in the second (6-3, 6(4)-7, 6-4) in a match in which he hit 40 winners, and home player Marcos Giron on his debut (6-3, 7-6(5)). Only Czech Jiri Lehecka was able to stop Landaluce in Miami after a tight match (7-6(1) and 7-5) that lasted two hours and four minutes.

Best ATP ranking

The impact of this performance is reflected not only on court, but also in the history books. By reaching the quarterfinals, Landaluce became the first player born in 2006 or later to reach this round at a Masters 1000. In addition, his results allowed him to climb 46 places in the ATP rankings to No. 103, the best of his career.

This achievement reinforces an upward trajectory that was already pointing high. In 2025, Landaluce confirmed his growth with standout milestones such as the title at the Orleans Challenger (France), the semifinals in Olbia, qualifying for the Australian Open main draw, and reaching the second round of the Cincinnati Masters 1000. All of this also earned him a place at the 2025 ATP Next Gen Finals.

Rafa Nadal himself spoke very positively about the young Spaniard’s performance: “He’s taken a step forward. I think he has spectacular shots, and he has to keep improving a few small things that will make the difference.”

Congratulations, Martín, and as Rafa said: “On to the next challenges!”