Carlos Alcaraz sparks fan frenzy in Seoul ahead of Jannik Sinner exhibition

When the world No. 1 landed in South Korea on Thursday, January 8, ahead of a highly anticipated exhibition match against Jannik Sinner, the reception was far from quiet.

Dressed in black with a cap, Carlos Alcaraz seemed to attempt a low-profile arrival, but dozens of supporters had already gathered at the airport, phones raised, eager for a glimpse of the Spanish star. 

Ever gracious, Alcaraz paused to smile, sign autographs, and pose for photos, turning the terminal into an impromptu fan meet-and-greet. Videos of the moment circulated online, highlighting his status as tennis’s most magnetic young player.

© Dan Istitene

Alcaraz’s trip to Seoul is more than a stopover. The city is hosting one of the offseason’s most talked-about events: a luxury exhibition match against Jannik Sinner, serving both as a spectacle and a final tune-up before the Australian Open.

© Mike Hewitt

The match is set for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Incheon Inspire Arena, a modern venue expected to draw a large audience. Coverage is reported to be available on Sky Sport One and Sky Sport Tennis, streaming on NOW, and free-to-air on SuperTenniX, allowing fans around the world to follow the action.

The Seoul exhibition renews one of tennis’s most compelling modern rivalries. Alcaraz and Sinner, currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2, have faced each other multiple times in major finals, including the 2025 US Open, where Alcaraz won in four sets. 

© Elsa

Sinner, meanwhile, claimed victory in their most recent exhibition clash at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. Overall, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head series, demonstrating the back-and-forth nature of their encounters.

The event also signals the start of a new chapter for both players. Alcaraz enters 2026 at the top of the rankings without longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. 

© Clive Brunskill

“I sincerely wish you all the best in everything that comes your way,” Alcaraz wrote. “I’m comforted by the knowledge that we gave our all, that we offered everything to each other. Thank you for everything, Juanki!”

Sinner arrives riding the momentum of a stellar 2025, capped by victory at the ATP Finals in Turin, with one clear objective: reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking, a position he held for 65 consecutive weeks over the past two years.