Carlos Alcaraz defeats Jannik Sinner in Hyundai Card Super Match exhibition

INCHEON: Six-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz defeated his great rival Jannik Sinner 7-5, 7-6(8) to win the Hyundai Card Super Match exhibition event on Saturday, marking the start of the season with an impressive victory in 1 hour and 48 minutes.

There was little to separate the two players during the entertaining clash, with world number one Alcaraz edging ahead towards the end of both sets to secure the win.

Reflecting on his triumph, Alcaraz said that the encouragement and love from the fans were crucial to his performance.

"We all need the support of the fans. So having the support and feeling the love from the people was essential for me to perform at my best and play great tennis like I did today," Alcaraz commented.

Sinner, speaking at a press conference on Friday, had stated that both players would focus on entertaining the fans and that the match would not be a true reflection of their abilities as they head into the new season.

They certainly fulfilled their promise, as the mostly light-hearted contest lacked the intensity that has characterised their previous encounters on the biggest stages.

In order to keep the spectators at the Inspire Arena on the edge of their seats, the pair mixed up their play with a variety of trick shots and engaged in several memorable rallies.

It is pertinent to mention that, in the second set, Sinner allowed a child in the stands to play a point on his behalf, adding an extra touch of fun to the occasion.