Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were back in action at an exhibition event in South Korea.
The ‘new two’ took their rivalry to new heights in 2025, having met exclusively in ATP Tour-level finals.
Three of those meetings were Grand Slam title bouts, with Alcaraz and Sinner clashing in the championship matches at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
Who will join Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in a new ‘big three’?
In an exhibition match to resume their rivalry in 2026, Alcaraz came out on top against Sinner, triumphing in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6.
Following his defeat, the Italian sent a message on social media to his Spanish rival.
Jannik Sinner’s message to Carlos Alcaraz after losing in
In a post on Instagram, Sinner said: “Really happy to be back on court.
“Had a lot of fun today! Thanks Carlos for a great match and thanks to all the fans who came out to watch. See you very soon in Australia.”
Neither Alcaraz nor Sinner will compete at any tour-level events prior to the Australian Open, with the top-two ranked players set to kick start their season at the first Grand Slam of the year.
Alcaraz and Sinner are both chasing history at Melbourne Park.
The world number one is looking to become the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam, aged 22.
Sinner, on the other hand, is bidding to record a three-peat at the Australian Open, a feat only Novak Djokovic has managed in the Open Era.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s ATP head-to-head record
Alcaraz currently leads Sinner in their head-to-head at ATP Tour events, with the latter emerging victorious in their most recent matchup.
Sinner’s triumph at the year-end ATP Finals in Turin marked his sixth win over Alcaraz, and his second of 2025.
A reminder of what happens when Jannik Sinner plays Carlos Alcaraz…
The rivalry was fairly one-sided last season, as Alcaraz beat Sinner in the final of Rome, Roland Garros, Cincinnati and the US Open.
Prior to Sinner’s Wimbledon victory, Alcaraz was on a five-match winning streak in the head-to-head, having not lost to him since 2023.
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