To start the 2026 season, both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are currently in South Korea ahead of their Hyundai Card Super Match, which will take place on the 10th of January.
As part of the event’s promotion, something their star power would have ensured regardless, the two best players in the world sat down for a joint press conference ahead of the exhibition match, where they answered a wide range of questions.
The Possibility of a Historic Doubles Pairing
During the press conference, the pair was asked whether they would ever be open to playing doubles together and potentially forming a historic partnership. Rather than shutting the idea down, both players left the door wide open.
World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz responded with a smile:
“In our case, I think there is no doubt who prefers to play with the forehand and who with the backhand, although we have never discussed it. We have played many matches, sometimes facing each other in several consecutive tournaments, so if we ever play together in a doubles match, we would have to see who plays on each side (laughs). It would be fun, for sure.”
Alcaraz’s sentiments were echoed by Jannik Sinner, who not only agreed with the idea but also hinted at a possible timeline for such a collaboration.
“You know, we have never talked about this. I think it would be fun at least one time to share the court in different ways, both on the same side… For one tournament, I think it would be great to do it, and we are going to talk about it. Maybe this year… It is going to be a surprise.”
Fans Given Hope for a Future Team-Up
The fact that neither player dismissed the idea, and that both even referenced a potential timeline and strategy, is an encouraging sign for fans hoping to see the world’s two best players join forces. Such a pairing would follow in the footsteps of previous generations, with members of the Big Three having played doubles alongside one another at various points in their careers.
Before anything of that nature is announced, however, all eyes will return to South Korea on Saturday, where Alcaraz and Sinner will face off in their highly anticipated exhibition match. Following that, both players will depart for Australia, where they will once again be chasing different kinds of histories at Melbourne Park.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
