Carlos Alcaraz received his first conflict with Jannik Sinner in 2026 as the highest two gamers within the males’s sport met in a hardcourt exhibition.
World No 1 Alcaraz triumphed 7-5 7-6 in opposition to the participant immediately under him on the earth rankings as they contested the Hyundai Card Tremendous Match in South Korea.
Spaniard Alcaraz and Italy’s Sinner usually are not taking part in in any official tournaments forward of the Australian Open, which runs from January 18 to February 1 in Melbourne.
Sinner has received the earlier two Australian Open titles, defeating Daniil Medvedev from two units down in 2024 earlier than seeing off Alexander Zverev in straight units a yr in the past.
Sinner (left) and Alcaraz (proper) would be the favourites on the Australian Open from January 18
Sinner and Alcaraz have shared the final eight Grand Slam titles, choosing up 4 every since Novak Djokovic received his twenty fifth main on the 2023 US Open.
How Sinner and Alcaraz rivalry panned out in 2025
In 2025, Sinner backed up his win in Australia by claiming his first Wimbledon title when he recorded a four-set victory over Alcaraz within the last.
Nonetheless, he misplaced to his massive rival within the finals of the French Open and US Open, with Alcaraz getting back from two units all the way down to win a exceptional match at Roland Garros.
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One of the best factors shared between the world’s finest gamers, Alcaraz and Sinner, from their matches in 2025
General final yr, Alcaraz beat Sinner in 4 of their six conferences, having additionally eclipsed the Italian within the finals of the Masters 1000 occasions in Rome and Cincinnati.
Sinner’s second win over Alcaraz, after Wimbledon, got here within the last of the season-ending ATP Finals in his homeland, leaving their profession ATP Tour head-to-head 10-6 in Alcaraz’s favour.
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Highlights from the ATP Finals the place Sinner beat Alcaraz to say the title
Sinner lets younger fan play level in opposition to Alcaraz
In Saturday’s exhibition, the match was paused within the fifth sport of the second set when Alcaraz engaged in a rally with a younger fan, who was briefly given Sinner’s racket.
Sinner, who sat within the fan’s seat and watched his substitute hit a forehand winner, stated afterwards: “It was an entertaining match, that’s why we came here. Obviously the main goal is in Australia.
“Exhibition matches are completely different. You’re a bit extra relaxed and likewise entertaining the gang slightly bit extra with completely different pictures and completely different actions on courtroom.”
Alcaraz added: “All of us want the assist from the followers, so feeling the love from the individuals was crucial for me to carry out my finest and play nice tennis like I did immediately.”
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