Alcaraz vs Sinner: A Sparkling Warm-Up as Melbourne Awaits
31 December 2025
Season Preview
A sizzling start for tennis as Alcaraz-Sinner clash looms.
Born in Murcia, world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz continues intensive preparations in his hometown through Sunday, before catching a flight on Monday to kick off his first international tour of 2026.
His season opens with an anticipated exhibition against Italian rival Jannik Sinner in Incheon, South Korea, on Saturday January 10. The friendly duel is billed as a tasty appetizer before the meals of the official tour begin.
After Korea, Alcaraz heads straight to Melbourne for the Australian Open, the season's first Grand Slam. The event represents his biggest challenge to date, being the only major he has yet to win, and it stands as his top objective heading into 2026 for the year ahead.
After Australia, he returns to Europe, then heads to the United States on a packed, demanding schedule this winter.
Rotterdam 500 points: February 9 to 15, to defend his title there.
Indian Wells Masters 1000: March 4 to 15 there.
Miami Masters 1000: March 18 to 29 there.
Barcelona Open 500 points: April 13 to 19.
Madrid Open Masters 1000: April 22 to May 3.
Alcaraz began the new season on hard courts to adapt to Melbourne conditions, but notably, his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero left; he now trains under Samuel Lopez after their surprising split.
Punchline 1: If Alcaraz ever runs out of space on the court, he just takes a step closer to the ball like a cat chasing a laser.
Punchline 2: And if his forehand had a GPS, it would always redirect you straight to the winner’s circle.
