Jannik Sinner was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in his first match back, losing their exhibition contest in South Korea.
Their rivalry was a big story throughout the 2025 ATP Tour season, and they picked up right where they left off to open the new year.
Alcaraz came away with a 7-5, 7-6 victory and got his Australian Open build-up off to a strong start. Speaking after the match, Sinner reflected on what it was like to begin the new year with another defeat against Alcaraz.
Sinner happy with fan response after Alcaraz exhibition defeat
Sinner and Alcaraz drew a full house for their exhibition, though the level of play wasn’t quite what fans have come to expect from their ATP clashes.
Both players swapped out with younger participants during certain points, and the atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed than a typical tour match.
Speaking afterward, Sinner said: “It was an entertaining match, that’s why we came here. Obviously, the main goal is in Australia.”
“Exhibition matches are different. You are a bit more relaxed and also entertaining the crowd a little bit more with different shots and different actions on court.”
Both players will begin their competitive seasons at the Australian Open. Alcaraz will be chasing his first Grand Slam title while Sinner aims to lift the trophy for a third time.
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to Sinner win
Alcaraz and Sinner made quite the impression in South Korea, playing their first match in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
The massive support didn’t go unnoticed by the world number one, who praised the energy from the fans after the match.
He said: “We all need the support from the fans, so feeling the love from the people was necessary for me to perform my best and play great tennis like I did today.”
The two have become regulars on the exhibition circuit, including a pair of matches at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.
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