The final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner In the second edition of the Six Kings Slam, held in Riyadh, there is a stratospheric prize in contention, for it is an exhibition: the winner will pocket 6 million dollars and all participants also receive generous amounts for their presence, around 1.5 million dollars as an entrance gift, according to the organizers and sports media that cover the event. These figures make the tournament, which does not distribute ATP points, one of the most lucrative events on the annual calendar outside the official circuit.
This economic dimension largely explains the stars’ interest in attending despite a busy schedule. The sum for the winner exceeds what is awarded in some Grand Slams in net cash, some 5 million euros to change.
that he Six Kings Slam being an exhibition has fueled criticism when top-level players announce absences from official tournaments due to discomfort and simultaneously agree to participate in events like this one. In the case of Alcaraz, the controversy was twofold: he arrived in Riyadh after reserving the Shanghai Masters 1000 due to a sprained ankle suffered in Tokyo and, despite this, he has decided to compete in the Saudi event. Some sectors of the public and the press have disputed whether playing while “touched” is consistent with your considerations about calendar overload.
Alcarazhowever, has tried to defuse the discussion in the interview he gave to Brand from Riyadh, where he put the focus away from money. He assured that “the money from the tournaments is given more hype than it deserves“and defended the decision to play as part of his schedule and recovery. The Murcian also pointed out that physical management is the task of him and his team, and that his participation responds to sports criteria and planning to reach the major objectives of the season in shape.
Beyond the economic owner, the millionaire prize is the most striking news, the Six Kings Slam raises bigger questions about the current tennis model. These questions revolve around whether these exhibitions that offer economic returns will be able to coexist with an increasingly demanding official calendar. For some experts and former players, the tournament is a “breather” from the ATP circuit and an opportunity to bring tennis closer to new audiencesas a more general audience thanks to its broadcast on the Netflix platform. For others, it fuels tensions over priorities and commitment to dates that do add points and legacy.
In strictly sporting terms, Alcaraz reaches the final after defeating Taylor Fritz in the semifinals and waits for Sinner, who previously eliminated Novak Djokovicin a clash that, although it does not count in the ranking, will have the added pressure of the prize and the looks, economic and sporting, that accompany each point.
Both appear in one more final as opponents to sign another chapter in their rivalry. In this season’s finale, they continue with the number one of the ranking as an objective. The Spanish has a positive balance against Sinner in direct duels and is having his best year so far as a professional. However, the Italian is always a fierce rival who will want revenge after the US Open final. Whether for the check, the rivalry or the show, the final promises to attract more debate than a usual match.
