Carlos Alcaraz has made it clear that he is not afraid of anyone who is looking to challenge him and Jannik Sinner in the new tennis season. In fact, the Spaniard is boldly looking forward to seeing who steps up to the plate in 2026.
The 2025 season, like 2024, was dominated on the ATP Tour by Alcaraz and Sinner, with the duo clean-sweeping the four Grand Slams between them for the second year in a row. The former won the French Open and the US Open, while the latter took the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The year-end ATP Finals also went to Sinner, as did the Six Kings Slam and the $6,000,000 prize money there.
2026, therefore, is again predicted by many to be the year of Alcaraz and Sinner. Regardless, there are many names in the ATP world who can challenge the duo, including the likes of Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Joao Fonseca and Casper Ruud.
Speaking in his press conference in Seoul, where he and Sinner are scheduled to take part in an exhibition tournament, Alcaraz had just one message for them all: Bring it on! The Spaniard maintained that both Sinner and him will do their best to deliver the results fans expected of them, saying:
“We are both prepared for these kinds of challenges. We’ve won many Grand Slams and Masters 1000 titles in recent seasons, and people can see the growth of a great rivalry firmly established at the elite level.”
“The other players are trying to catch up with us, so it’s very exciting for us to start a new season, also because we want to deliver the results people expect from us. It’s very inspiring, so we’re really looking forward to seeing what 2026 has in store for us.”
Alcaraz spoke about his rivalry with Jannik Sinner as well, calling it a ‘gift’ that he was pleased to enjoy at this stage in his career against someone he deeply respected.
“I remember every match I’ve played against him, from the very first time. We’ve gradually faced each other in later rounds of tournaments, but this is a gift. We’ve learned so much after every semifinal or final of a major tournament. It takes a lot of passion and patience to build a rivalry like this over the years, from Challengers to Grand Slam finals.”
“Looking back and seeing everything we’ve won individually, it’s clear that we’ve both pushed each other to reach our full potential on the court. I’m proud to have a rivalry like this; when we shake hands at the net, everything else fades away,” Alcaraz said.
The head-to-head record between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is now 10-6 in favor of the Spaniard.
Carlos Alcaraz on the start of the 2026 season
At the press conference, Carlos Alcaraz shared his thoughts on starting the season with a trip to South Korea, admitting that he was thrilled to begin 2026 with a match-up against Jannik Sinner.
The World No. 1 said:
“It’s a pleasure for me to be here for the first time. I haven’t played a match since last season, so starting the season here with Jannik is a great way to prepare for the Australian Open. We’re talking about a Grand Slam, and we all want to be ready, so we’re going to use these next few days to keep improving. I think we’re both really looking forward to facing each other in this match.”
After the exhibition in Seoul, Alcaraz and Sinner will both travel to Melbourne for the Australian Open 2026, which will be their first official tournament of the season.
Read More Tennis News:
Alcaraz & Sinner’s Korea Exhibition Prize Money Puts Several Grand Slam Runner-Up Checks to Shame
Alcaraz Snubbed to Favor Sinner in Bold Australian Open Prediction: Ex-American Pro Explains Why
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