The world's top two tennis players, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have sparked excitement by discussing the possibility of joining forces as a doubles team. This revelation came on Friday, just a day before their high-profile exhibition match in Incheon, South Korea, which serves as their sole warm-up before the Australian Open begins on January 18.
A New Chapter in a Fierce Rivalry?
The Spanish and Italian stars, who dominated the men's tour in 2025 by contesting all four Grand Slam finals between them, are close friends off the court despite their intense on-court battles. Alcaraz secured the French and US Open titles last year, while Sinner claimed victory at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Now, they are contemplating sharing the court as partners for at least one tournament.
"I think it would be fun at least one time to share the court in different ways, on the same side," said world number two Sinner. He acknowledged the logistical challenges, citing the packed singles schedule and recovery needs, but remained open to the idea. "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 where we feel like, or next year."
Mutual Interest and a Potential Game Plan
World number one Alcaraz confirmed the idea has crossed his mind as well. "At least once would be fun," the 22-year-old Spaniard stated, even suggesting a potential on-court arrangement. "I think I'm playing forehand and he's playing backhand," Alcaraz quipped, indicating they have given the partnership some thought.
Before any potential team-up, however, the rivals will face off in a lucrative exhibition clash on Saturday. Alcaraz views the event as an ideal preparation for Melbourne, where he aims to progress beyond the quarter-finals for the first time. "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 remarked, expressing happiness at sharing the court with Sinner for the event.
Forging Their Own Legacy Amid 'Big Three' Comparisons
The thrilling Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has frequently drawn parallels with the legendary era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Both young champions, however, are focused on creating their own unique narrative in the sport.
"We want to make our own story," emphasized the 24-year-old Sinner, who won six titles in 2025 despite a three-month doping ban. "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." He added that the key question is how long they can maintain their current elite level of performance.
Alcaraz has previously been vocal about the physical toll of tennis's demanding calendar, having withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters in September due to physical issues. The exhibition in Korea offers a focused, short-duration tune-up ahead of the season's first major.
