World number one Carlos Alcaraz has kicked off the new tennis season with a narrow victory over his great rival Jannik Sinner in an entertaining exhibition match in South Korea.
Alcaraz Clinches Tight Victory in Season Opener
Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner 7-5, 7-6(8) to win the Hyundai Card Super Match exhibition event on Saturday, 10 January 2026. The closely-fought contest took place at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, marking the first competitive action of the year for the sport's top two male players.
There was precious little between the pair throughout the friendly clash, with Alcaraz managing to pull ahead at the crucial moments late in both sets to secure the win. The Spaniard acknowledged the role of the spectators in his performance, stating the fan support was necessary for him to play his best tennis.
Entertainment Takes Centre Stage in Incheon
True to their word ahead of the match, both players focused on putting on a show for the crowd. During a press conference on Friday, Sinner had suggested the exhibition would not be a true gauge of their form for the coming season, with entertainment the primary goal.
The pair delivered spectacularly, mixing trick shots into their games and engaging in several breathtaking rallies that had fans on the edge of their seats. The light-hearted nature of the hit-around meant it lacked the fierce intensity of their previous Grand Slam encounters, but provided no shortage of memorable moments.
A Memorable Moment for a Young Fan
The most heartwarming moment of the afternoon came in the second set, when Jannik Sinner handed his racket to a young child in the stands, allowing the fan to play a point in his place. The gesture typified the exhibition's spirit and created a unique memory for those in attendance.
While the result does not count towards official rankings, the match offered a tantalising glimpse of the rivalry that is set to dominate men's tennis in the 2026 season. Both Alcaraz and Sinner will now continue their preparations for the first major tournaments of the year.
