Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz to play an exhibition event in South Korea
(Courtesy : @atptour/Twitter)
The two best ATP players will play an exhibitio event ahead of the Australian Open.
In a thrilling prelude to the 2026 Australian Open, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 2 Jannik Sinner are scheduled to face off in a high-profile exhibition match in South Korea.
Dubbed the “Hyundai Card Super Match,” the event will take place on January 10, 2026, at the 15,000-seat Incheon Inspire Arena, just west of Seoul.
This marks the first time the two young stars will bring their electrifying rivalry to Asia in an exhibition format, aiming to captivate Korean fans and build momentum for the Grand Slam season.
Organized to promote tennis in the region, the match promises intense rallies and showmanship, with tickets already fetching premium prices due to the duo’s global appeal.
Adding a touch of local flair, the event will feature a performance by K-pop sensation MINHO from SHINee, blending sports and entertainment to create a unique spectacle.
How did Sinner and Alcaraz spend time in the off-season?
Since the ATP Tour concluded with the Nitto ATP Finals in November 2025, where Sinner triumphed to finish the year with six titles and over $25 million in earnings, the Italian has focused on recovery and preparation. He skipped the Davis Cup, opting for training sessions in Dubai with compatriot Luciano Darderi, emphasizing rest after a grueling season that saw him defend multiple titles and maintain a dominant service game.
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Alcaraz, who clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking with eight trophies including two Grand Slams, parted ways with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero post-Finals.
He’s been active in exhibitions, including charity matches at Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo, the home of Brazilian football club Palmeiras, while training in Murcia and Miami.
For their Australian Open warmup, both stars are bypassing traditional ATP events. Sinner traditionally skips pre-AO tournaments, heading straight to Melbourne after the Korea match to defend his 2025 title.
The Spaniard follows suit, using the exhibition as his primary tune-up before aiming for his first AO crown starting January 18. This strategic approach underscores their confidence, setting the stage for another epic rivalry chapter Down Under.
When and where will Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner play the exhibition match?
The exhibition will be held on January 10, 2026, at the Incheon Inspire Arena in South Korea, as part of the Hyundai Card Super Match.
Does the exhibition affect their Australian Open seeding?
No, exhibition results have no impact on rankings or seedings for the Australian Open.
When does the Australian Open 2026 begin?
The Australian Open main draw is scheduled to start on January 18, 2026.
Why are Alcaraz and Sinner skipping ATP warm-up tournaments?
Both players prefer managing their workload carefully and are using this exhibition as preparation ahead of the Australian Open.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.