What Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner said about playing each other before exhibition showdown

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have reflected on the challenge of facing one another as they prepare for their upcoming exhibition clash in Korea.

The two stars will meet in the ‘Hyundai Card Super Match’ in Incheon, South Korea, on January 10 — just over a week before the 2026 Australian Open main draw begins on January 18.

Their showdown will mark the first time Alcaraz and Sinner share the court in the 2026 season and their third exhibition meeting, following their finals at the Six Kings Slam in both 2024 and 2025.

In official competition, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 10–6, although Sinner won both Six Kings Slam finals. During the 2025 season, Alcaraz claimed four of their six competitive encounters.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner — 2025 Head-to-Head Results

Italian Open final: Alcaraz def. Sinner 7-6(5), 6-1
French Open final: Alcaraz def. Sinner 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2)
Wimbledon final: Sinner def. Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Cincinnati final: Alcaraz def. Sinner 5-0 (ret.)
US Open final: Alcaraz def. Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4
ATP Finals final: Sinner def. Alcaraz 7-6(4), 7-5

What Alcaraz and Sinner Said About Facing Each Other

In an interview with Tennis Korea, both players shared their thoughts ahead of the Incheon exhibition.

Carlos Alcaraz:

“Jannik and I have been competing since we were young, so we know each other’s games inside out.

“There’s almost nothing to hide out there. Jannik is a player with virtually no weaknesses. His attacking game is powerful, and his defense is exceptionally quick and consistent.

“He completely dominated the 2025 season, winning two Grand Slams, the ATP Finals, and staying in the hunt for world No. 1 until the very end.

“Playing well against him isn’t enough — you have to stay focused from start to finish. There is no room for complacency.

“He’s the kind of player you must give 100% against from the first point to the last if you want a chance to win.”

Jannik Sinner:

“He is one of the best players on tour right now — perhaps even the best. Playing against him is always challenging, but also a lot of fun.

“Every match between us tells a different story, with its own rhythm, which makes it even more exciting. He is incredibly fast, so it’s tough to overpower him anywhere on the court.

“On top of that, he is mentally very strong and plays every point as if it were the last. Those are the biggest challenges I face whenever we play.”