Jannik Sinner has started his buildup to the 2026 Australian Open by arriving in South Korea for an exhibition match against his rival Carlos Alcaraz. While there are events like the United Cup, Brisbane and Adelaide International, and Auckland Open, many top players are using exhibition matches as part of their Australian Open preparation this year.
Jannik Sinner Touches Down in South Korea
Sinner has arrived at Incheon Airport in Seoul, and many Korean fans turned up in large numbers for autographs and selfies with the world No. 2.
It’s the first time for Sinner in South Korea, and the Italian star said he was excited to experience a new culture while preparing for the upcoming season.
야닉 시너 260107 인천 🦊💐🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/eNbROYBRuP
— yawoo (@yawoowang53173) January 7, 2026
한국에 온걸 진심으로 환영해요!!🦊💐🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/miQjUGWqe3
— yawoo (@yawoowang53173) January 7, 2026
During an interview with the Tribune before the trip, Sinner said, “I have never been to South Korea, so I wanted to see for myself what the country is like.”
“Another important reason is the possibility to feel the rhythm of a competitive match at least once before the Australian Open. Getting back the feeling of playing on the court helps a lot in preparing for the season. I took all of this into account and I gladly accepted the invitation,” he added.
He will be facing Alcaraz in Incheon on January 10. The timing of the match is also significant, as it will happen just days before the Australian Open begins on January 18. Over the past year, Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated men’s tennis, winning nine of the last 10 Grand Slam titles and meeting in three major finals in 2025.
Although Alcaraz leads their rivalry 10-6, the momentum has shifted back and forth. Alcaraz clutched against Sinner in the 2025 French Open final, Sinner hit back at Wimbledon, and Alcaraz claimed the US Open later. Their last match happened in the ATP Finals, where the Italian defeated the Spaniard.
Sinner Will Continue His Exhibition Run With Félix Auger-Aliassime Next
Sinner’s exhibition tour won’t stop in South Korea. Just six days later, he will take center stage in Melbourne’s Opening Week Showdowns, where he will face Auger-Aliassime at Rod Laver Arena on January 16.
As the back-to-back Australian Open champion from 2024 and 2025, Sinner will be everyone’s target. He also had won all four matches against the Canadian in 2025. Their most essential matches came during the indoor swing. Those results only lifted Sinner’s status as the favorite in Melbourne.
However, Auger-Aliassime, after starting 2025 as World No. 29, finished the year strongly at No. 5.
That run included a semifinal showing at the US Open and a place at the ATP Finals, where he also reached the quarterfinals.
