Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both teased the prospect of teaming up for a doubles match in the near future ahead of their exhibition match in South Korea. 

Both Alcaraz and Sinner dominated the 2025 season, with the pair evenly splitting the four majors while the Spaniard won the most titles (eight) on the ATP Tour. 

Indeed, the dynamic duo have won nine of the last 10 grand slam titles, with the only exception being the US Open in 2023, which was lifted by Novak Djokovic. 

Alcaraz and Sinner decided against competing in any tune-up tournaments ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on January 18 at Melbourne Park. 

"I think it would be fun at least one time to share the court in different ways, on the same side," said Sinner, who is out to win the Australian Open for the third consecutive edition. 

"The schedule, and we are focused on singles that it's very difficult, because if then you go deep in singles, and then you have to play doubles, you don't have the right recovery.

"But for one tournament, I think it's great to do it, and we're going to talk about it maybe this year at a certain time when we feel like it, or next year."

 

 

 

 

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And Alcaraz, who is yet to go beyond the quarter-finals at the season-opening major during his career, was also receptive to the idea of teaming up with Sinner. 

The Spaniard has only played in 15 doubles matches, most notably partnering the retiring Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they reached the quarter-finals. 

"It was once or ‌twice we thought about it," Alcaraz added.

"But being singles players and playing so many matches, tournament ⁠after tournament in a row, it's really difficult to play doubles sometimes.

"At least once, it ‌would be fine. But I think I play forehand and he [Sinner] plays backhand."

Alcaraz is one of several top players across the men's and women's game to be critical of the packed schedule ahead of the 2026 season. 

He pulled out of the Shanghai Masters in September because of physical issues, but said playing in South Korea was a great way to prepare for the Australian Open. 

"I think coming here for two, three days, keep preparing, keep getting yourself ready for the new season, I think it was a great idea," he said.

"I'm just really happy that I'm able to do this event, this match with Jannik."

Sinner and Alcaraz's rivalry has drawn comparisons to the 'Big Three' of Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer, but the pair want to create their own story. 

"We need to see how long we can keep up this level," said Sinner. "What the big three has done, we cannot compare ourselves with them, and we also don't want to. 

"We are just ourselves and we want to make our own story."