UPDATE: In a blockbuster announcement, world tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are reportedly set to earn over $2.3 million each for an exhibition match in Incheon, South Korea, on January 10, 2026. This staggering amount comes as both athletes prepare for the upcoming 2026 Australian Open.
The highly-anticipated exhibition is a rematch of their thrilling clashes in the last three Grand Slam finals, where Alcaraz triumphed at the 2025 French Open and 2025 US Open, while Sinner secured victory at Wimbledon. Fans are eager to witness this showdown, especially given the significant financial stakes.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, both players are guaranteed $2.3 million for participating in this exhibition match. For context, the winner of the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles title will earn $2.8 million, making the exhibition earnings nearly as high as a Grand Slam victory.
While the financial rewards are eye-popping, this exhibition also highlights the growing trend of lucrative matches outside traditional tournaments. Just last year, Sinner earned an astonishing $6 million by defeating Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.
Despite the allure of big money, both players remain focused on their performance in major tournaments. Following the exhibition, Alcaraz and Sinner will head to Melbourne to compete in the Australian Open, which begins on January 18, 2026.
As the two-time defending champion, Sinner enters the Australian Open as a favorite, boasting an impressive 22-4 record at the event. In contrast, Alcaraz has yet to surpass the quarterfinals in Melbourne, with an 11-4 record. However, Alcaraz’s recent improvements and strategic changes in his coaching team could shift the odds in his favor.
With other formidable competitors like Novak Djokovic, a record 10-time champion, and Alexander Zverev, who reached the finals last year, the competition is fierce. Fans are left wondering who will emerge victorious in Melbourne.
As anticipation builds, tennis enthusiasts won’t want to miss the action as Alcaraz and Sinner prepare for their exhibition and the prestigious Australian Open. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds!
