Alcaraz calls out Sinner: We can team up for doubles! But I want to play forehand position.

The tennis icons stirred excitement again! At a press event in South Korea, Alcaraz and Sinner were seated next to each other. When asked about forming a doubles team, their responses immediately heightened anticipation.

Alcaraz was the first to speak, concise yet specific: "I’m okay with teaming up once, but I want the forehand side, and he plays backhand — it depends on whether this partner agrees." He gestured towards Sinner next to him.

Sinner was equally straightforward, nodding in agreement on the spot: "We haven’t really talked about this before, but the idea of joining forces in a different role sounds fun." However, he admitted the truth — both are focused on singles, with a packed schedule. If singles matches go deep, adding doubles would be too exhausting. Still, he left a hint: "We might try it at some event, maybe this year or next, and possibly surprise everyone."

Two top-ranked singles players teaming up for doubles is rare. The last time it happened was Federer and Nadal at the 2017 Laver Cup. The funniest moment was Djokovic hitting the ball into Federer’s backside. If Alcaraz and Sinner actually form a doubles team, it would definitely be the tennis event of the year.

However, there have been many cases where players fiercely compete across the net in singles but then join forces in doubles.

This year at the Australian Open, Alcaraz has a grand goal: to become the youngest player ever to win all four Grand Slams. He holds six major titles—two each at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open—only missing the Australian Open. Sinner is also one slam short of a career Grand Slam, lacking only Roland Garros, but he secretly aims for an even bigger prize—the calendar-year Grand Slam!

Currently, Sinner has won the Australian Open twice, plus Wimbledon and the US Open once each. He only needs Roland Garros to complete the Grand Slam. So, will these two collaborate to help each other achieve a career Grand Slam? Or will they guard their own territories at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, denying each other chances?

Some support Alcaraz, seeing Sinner as his main rival; others favor Sinner, believing the Australian Open is likely his stronghold.

How much longer will this “duopoly” of Grand Slam titles in men’s tennis last? Who will be the disruptor?

[Look at me][Bow][Give myself a flower]

#2026AustralianOpen#​#TennisNews##Alcaraz#​#SinnerAlcaraz#​