Sportal.eu

Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz, back-and-forth ahead of friendly of controversies

Getty Images

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the undisputed dominators of the circuit for two years now, will compete in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 10 in the exhibition match that will open 2026 for both rivals. The friendly match has caused several controversies in the home countries of both players: in Italy, Sinner’s choice had landed in the crosshairs of the usual critics, especially after his decision to not participate in the Davis Cup to prepare for the Australian Open. But Alcaraz, who like the Azzurro skipped Davis, also had to defend himself against criticism in Spain for holding several exhibition matches in December and early 2026.

Martino DavidiJannik Sinner forgotten, the’incredible prediction against the’Alto Adige: photos

Jannik Sinner will return in January to the Australian Open as the defending champion.
The South Tyrolean's goal is to drop the trifecta in Melbourne.
He will have to reckon with Carlos Alcaraz first.

Sinner on the fast track looks like the favorite but there's someone who disagrees.
On the official website of the Slam won for the last two years by Jannik c'is an article with the emblematic title.
"Why Carlos Alcaraz will win the Australian Open in 2026".
"The 2025 season was unforgettable for Alcaraz, who won two Grand Slam titles in singles at the US Open and Roland Garros…".
"… eight titles in total (he reached nine consecutive finals between April and September) and won 71 matches in a single season, his personal record".

"Focusing particularly on his recent success at the U.S. Open, Alcaraz will have high hopes that he can finally go all the way at Melbourne Park".
Just a hint of Sinner, who won the last two editions.
"Standing in his way could be archrival Jannik Sinner, whom Alcaraz beat in both the finals at Roland Garros and the US Open".
Australians have "forgotten" Sinner’s achievements at Wimbledon and the Atp Finals.

In an interview with Tennis Korea, Sinner and Alcaraz expressed their thoughts just over a month before the match: “This match represents a great opportunity for both me and Carlos, because it will allow us to regain our rhythm before the’start of the Australian Open. Recovering the best feelings helps a lot at the beginning of a season and that is why I gladly accepted the invitation. Also, I am looking forward to playing in front of the Korean fans” explained the San Candido tennis player, who is fresh off two straight wins in exhibition matches against Alcaraz, both of which came in the finals at the Six Kings Slam.

Alcaraz focused instead on his rivalry with Jannik: “Rivalries in sports are a powerful element that fuels fan interest, and I too was inspired by the rivalry between Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer during my childhood. Now Jannik and I have already faced each other on many big stages and played intense matches, we have played each other in several Grand Slam finals, and I really believe we make each other stronger match after match. We have a long career ahead of us, and I really believe that this heated rivalry will help us grow further” said the Murcia tennis player.

In official matches Carlos Alcaraz leads with 10 wins to Jannik Sinner&#8217s 6, who won in the last ATP Finals match.

Tags:

You may also like...