Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz kicked off the new season with an exhibition match in Seoul.
The Spaniard prevailed 7-5, 7-6, although the result carried little importance.
Carlos Alcaraz em qualquer oportunidade 🫰🏽 pic.twitter.com/YTEaS2JyK6
— Carlos Alcaraz Brasil (@carlosalcarazbr) January 10, 2026
Before the match, Sinner admitted it's always a big pleasure to face his greatest rival. The Italian measures his game with the world's best player, with the dominant duo of men's tennis learning from each other and growing together.
They have won ten Major titles, eight in the previous two years. Carlos and Jannik are the favorites at the upcoming Australian Open, hoping to embrace their fourth consecutive Major final.
The crowd in Seoul enjoyed in a memorable show, with the two rivals presenting their skills and smiling all the time. We saw crafty slices and angles that kept the spectators entertained
Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner, Rome 2025© Stream screenshot
Carlos kept his focus on serve in games one and seven of the opening set. He stayed in touch and extended the 12th game before earning a set point. The 22-year-old seized it and took the opener 7-5.
World no. 1 hit against the local kid in the fifth game of the second set, with Sinner watching them from the stands. The young boy fired a forehand winner and impressed the world's best players.
Jannik returned, and they served well in the remaining games to introduce a tie break. The Spaniard saved a set point at 5-6 and clinched three points in a row to emerge at the top.
The great rivals continued toward Melbourne, with both scheduling their first practice sessions at Melbourne Park on Sunday. Jannik is a two-time defending Australian Open champion.
On the other hand, Carlos will seek his first trophy Down Under after never reaching the semi-final at the first Major of the season.
"For me, it's always a big pleasure when I have a chance to play against Carlos. You measure yourself with the best in the world. This is exactly what you need, trying to always improve," Jannik Sinner said.
