Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s top two men’s tennis players, will face each other in a high-profile exhibition match in Incheon, South Korea, on January 10, as part of the Hyundai Card Super Match. The event serves as their only on-court tune-up before the 2026 Australian Open, which begins on January 18 in Melbourne.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, both players are guaranteed between €2 million and €2.3 million each for the single best-of-three-set encounter. To put that figure into perspective, the winner of the 2026 Australian Open will earn approximately €2.4 million, only marginally more than what Alcaraz and Sinner will receive for one night of low-pressure tennis in Asia.
Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz: A Rivalry Worth Millions
The Seoul exhibition is the latest chapter in a rivalry that now defines men’s tennis both competitively and commercially. Alcaraz and Sinner contested three Grand Slam finals in 2025, with the Spaniard winning the French Open and US Open, while the Italian claimed Wimbledon. Sinner later gained revenge by defeating an injured Alcaraz in the ATP Finals final in Turin, where the two ended their season face to face.
Their drawing power has already proven immense. Just months ago, Sinner earned a remarkable $6 million by beating Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, underlining how exhibitions involving the sport’s biggest stars are beginning to rival-if not challenge- the rewards of official competition.
Tickets for the Incheon event reflect that status. Prices reportedly range from around €1,000 to over €2,000, with premium packages offering close access to the players. The event is backed by Hyundai Card, and includes promotional and sponsor obligations alongside the match itself.
Different Stakes, Same Ambition
Despite the extraordinary payday, neither player is treating the exhibition as anything more than a stepping stone. Both will fly directly to Melbourne after the match, having opted not to enter any ATP tournaments ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam.
For Jannik Sinner, the Australian Open represents familiar territory. The 24-year-old arrives as the two-time defending champion, boasting a 22–4 career record at Melbourne Park and a 15-match winning streak after closing out 2025 with titles in Vienna, Paris, and the ATP Finals. Should he lift the trophy again, Sinner would become only the second man in the Open Era, after Novak Djokovic, to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.
Carlos Alcaraz, now world No. 1, faces a different challenge. The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam he has yet to win, and he has never progressed beyond the quarterfinals there. However, his level over the past 12 months suggests that statistic may soon change. Melbourne will also mark a new chapter in his career, as Juan Carlos Ferrero is no longer part of his coaching team, leaving Samuel López as his sole coach.
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More Than Just a Two-Man Race
While Alcaraz and Sinner are the clear favorites heading into Melbourne, the field remains dangerous. Novak Djokovic, a record 10-time Australian Open champion, is never to be discounted, while Alexander Zverev, last year’s finalist, continues to threaten at the biggest events.
Still, the Seoul exhibition highlights a broader shift in the sport. Alcaraz and Sinner are no longer just chasing trophies- they are reshaping the business of men’s tennis. Their rivalry commands global attention, sells out arenas, and now generates payouts that rival Grand Slam glory.
The match in South Korea may not count in the record books, but when the world’s two best players step onto the court in Incheon, it will serve as a powerful reminder: this rivalry is the future of tennis- and it is already worth millions.
