Carlos Alcaraz got his 2026 campaign off to the perfect start, recording a solid straight-sets victory over Jannik Sinner in Korea.
That being said, this was far from the fiercely competitive clashes we have seen between this pair in the past.
Instead, it was a good-natured and upbeat affair between the top two-ranked players on the ATP Tour, who played out plenty of entertaining rallies with nothing at stake.
Opting to feature in this exhibition instead of playing a warm-up tournament for the Australian Open, they will now head to Melbourne with less preparation, but significantly remunerated.
Carlos Alcaraz has since taken to social media to offer his reaction to his 7-5, 7-6 victory.
Carlos Alcaraz thanks the Korean crowd after beating Jannik Sinner
Taking to Instagram, the 22-year-old dedicated the bulk of his post towards the support he and Jannik Sinner had received over the past few days.
After all, at both press conferences and meet-and-greets, hordes of fans followed the two best men’s tennis players.
Why do you think Carlos Alcaraz has struggled at the Australian Open in the past?
2021 Australian Open – 1R
2022 Australian Open – 3R
2024 Australian Open – QF
2025 Australian Open – QF
Alcaraz would therefore write: “Great way to start 2026, playing with Jannik in Korea! Thank you all for coming to watch us and for your love this week!”
Carlos Alcaraz seeking an all-time record at the 2026 Australian Open
Every trip to Melbourne for Alcaraz feels more and more important, as the time runs out on his chances of breaking an all-time record.
And, he has not been shy in voicing his desperation to claim the final Grand Slam to complete his collection
Speaking exclusively to The Tennis Gazette just last year, Alcaraz spoke about wanting to complete the Calendar Slam this year, as a matter of urgency.
Carlos Alcaraz would be the greatest youngster ever if he won the 2026 Australian Open – change my mind…
It will be intriguing to see how a sole exhibition match in 2026 acts as preparation for this all-important Australian Open.
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