Carlos Alcaraz opened his 2026 season with an entertaining straight-sets victory over his great rival Jannik Sinner, winning 7-5, 7-6(8) at the Hyundai Card Super Match exhibition event in Incheon, South Korea, on Saturday.

There was little to separate the world’s top two men’s players throughout the contest, with world number one Alcaraz edging ahead at the business end of both sets to seal the win.

“We all need the support from the fans,” Alcaraz said afterwards. “Feeling the love from the people was important for me to perform at my best and play great tennis like I did today.”

Sinner had stressed at Friday’s press conference that the match would not be a true reflection of their form heading into the new season, and that both players would prioritise entertaining the crowd — a promise they more than fulfilled.

The light-hearted clash lacked the intensity of their battles on the biggest stages, but made up for it with flair, creativity and memorable rallies. Both players produced a range of trick shots, while Sinner even invited a child from the crowd to play a point on his behalf during the second set, delighting fans at the Inspire Arena.

The exhibition also continued a familiar theme for the pair, who are no strangers to putting on a show outside the ATP Tour. Alcaraz and Sinner previously faced each other at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh in 2024 and 2025, with the Italian emerging victorious in both finals.

Alcaraz has previously defended his participation in lucrative exhibition events, explaining that they offer a welcome break from the physical and mental demands of the tour. He has also acknowledged the financial incentives involved, noting last year that prize money played a role in his decision to compete in the Six Kings Slam.

With the exhibition wrapped up, attention now turns to the serious business of the Australian Open. The season’s first Grand Slam begins at Melbourne Park on January 18, with Sinner aiming for a third consecutive title and Alcaraz chasing the final piece of a career Grand Slam.

“It was an entertaining match — that’s why we came here,” Sinner said. “Now the main focus is Australia. Exhibition matches are different: you’re a bit more relaxed and trying to entertain the crowd with different shots and ideas on court.”