$2.2 million for fun: Alcaraz and Sinner turn rivalry into spectacle

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner took their rivalry this Saturday into the relaxed, lucrative territory of a made-for-show exhibition that, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, earned each player about $2.2 million. The 15,000 spectators who paid eye-watering prices to attend the event at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, near Seoul, South Korea’s capital, were thoroughly entertained by a match that featured a first set geared toward spectacle and a second that felt closer to official competition. Alcaraz won both – 7-5, 7-6 (6) – in 1 hour and 48 minutes. “We had a great time. The energy and support we received here was incredible. I’m very grateful for that and for being treated like I was at home,” the winner said afterward. “Jannik, we finished last year playing each other and we’re starting this one the same way. I hope this season is as good as the last. I wish you all the best in Australia.”

The special relationship between the two dominant forces in men’s tennis did not disappoint, even though both struggled at times to adapt to unfamiliar, almost old-fashioned conditions. The match was played on a synthetic vinyl or PVC surface, similar to the one used in badminton – a popular sport in Korea. Everything was fast, especially with two heavy hitters like the Spaniard and the Italian, who approached the opening stages with a sense of humor. Instead of trying to overpower each other or attack the lines, they traded well-placed balls to extend rallies and put on a show – including one particularly long exchange of cross-court backhands – though every so often they unleashed full power. In that context, and after saving several break points, Alcaraz broke Sinner’s serve and moved ahead on the scoreboard.

The second set was different and more serious, including from Sinner, although the Italian briefly stepped aside to let a very young fan play a point – a reward the youngster earned by beating Alcaraz with a forehand down the line. Jokes aside, the player from San Candido pushed hard to level the match and came close. He even had a set point in the final tiebreak, but neither player seemed willing to spend three hours on an unusual surface just a week before the start of the Australian Open (Jan. 18 – Feb. 1), where they would only meet in a hypothetical – if highly predictable – final.

Both players flew to Melbourne immediately after the match and were scheduled to train there on Sunday. The world No. 1 was set to practice at 12:45 a.m. ET, with No. 2 following at 11:00 p.m. ET. They clearly enjoyed themselves in Korea before and during their friendly encounter, but with neither having played any tune-up tournaments, the camaraderie will end in Victoria. There, they will warm up with more serious matches against Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime on Jan. 15 and 16, respectively, before tackling the season’s first major. The Murcian is chasing the one title he needs to complete a career Grand Slam, while the Italian is aiming for a third straight Australian Open crown.

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