‘Squid Game’ Fan Jannik Sinner Eager to Learn More About Korean Culture During Exhibition Event

Jannik Sinner will be clashing with Carlos Alcaraz in the exhibition event in Incheon next year.

‘Squid Game’ Fan Jannik Sinner Eager to Learn More About Korean Culture During Exhibition Event

Jannik Sinner will be playing an exhibition event in South Korea next year (Image via Variety, X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

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Jannik Sinner is all set to make his first trip to South Korea for an exhibition event next year. The Italian ace will be locking horns with none other than his arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz in the Hyundai Card Super Match in Incheon on 10 January.

After the exhibition, they will be flying Down Under for the Australian Open, the main draw of which is scheduled to start on January 18. This year, they both played the exhibition match at the Australian Open Opening Week in Melbourne. Sinner faced Alexei Popyrin and Stefanos Tsitsipas, while Alcaraz locked horns with Popyrin and Alex de Minaur.

Sinne, during his interview with Tennis Korea, said he is eager to learn more about Korean culture, revealing that he enjoyed the popular K-drama Squid Game.

I’ve never been to Korea before, so I’m especially excited for this visit. Everything I’ve heard so far has been positive. I also enjoyed ‘Squid Game,’ and I think it gave me a glimpse into Korean culture. People around me also talk a lot about Seoul. Some have been there on vacation, and they say it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. So I’m really looking forward to this visit.

This year, Sinner and Alcaraz featured in two exhibitions, respectively. Apart from Melbourne, both played the Six Kings Slam, where for the second time in a row, he six-time Grand Slam champion suffered defeat at the hands of Alcaraz. The 22-year-old met Frances Ifie in the La Batalla de Leyendas exhibition in March.

Jannik Sinner on his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner explained the importance of rivalries in sports by citing Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray‘s examples. He said rivalries hold a special meaning for both players and the fans, as he hopes to emulate the Big 4 through his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz.

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ, Carlos Alcaraz 4K)

Back in the day, there were great rivalries between Roger, Rafa, Novak, and Andy, and that trend has continued for generations before that. Rivalries have always existed throughout tennis history, and I think they’ve played a huge role in creating the appeal of the sport. So, it makes me happy to hear that I’m developing that kind of relationship with Carlos. Of course, it’s not just our rivalry. There are so many great players on tour, and there are so many different matchups.

Jannik Sinner told Tennis Korea

Sinner trails 6-10 in the head-to-head meetings against Alcaraz, who defeated him four times from six matches they played against each other. The four-time Grand Slam champion met Alcaraz for the first time in a Grand Slam final at the French Open, which, for sure, will be etched in the memories of the tennis world for a long time.

Alcaraz came from two sets down and saved three championship points to defend his title. Sinner took his revenge by denying Alcaraz a three-peat at Wimbledon. Alcaraz then took a 2-1 lead in their Grand Slam final win-loss record by stopping Sinner from defending his US Open title, also dethroning him from the top of the rankings table.

Sinner reclaimed his No.1 ranking by clinching the Paris Masters. But he wouldn’t end the season as No.1 despite defeating the Murcia native in the ATP Finals.

Alcaraz ended the season with eight trophies from 11 finals- the most on the tour. Sinner, despite his three-month doping ban, took home six titles from 10 finals. They won nine of the last 10 Grand Slam finals, splitting the last eight Majors. The last title that Alcaraz won this year was the Japan Open by defeating Taylor Fritz.

Also read: Roger Federer Holds Optimism About Doing an Exhibition Tour With Rafael Nadal in the Near Future