The Six Kings Slam: A Premier Tennis Exhibition in Riyadh
The highly anticipated "Six Kings Slam" exhibition is set to commence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring two tennis legends and four of the sport's brightest stars. Scheduled to take place from October 16 to 19, this event is expected to draw significant attention, overshadowing regular ATP Tour activities. The exhibition marks the return of Rafael Nadal, who has not competed since the Paris Olympics, alongside his long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
Joining them are the current world number one Jannik Sinner, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. With five of the six players being Grand Slam champions, the competition promises to be fierce. The event's tagline, "Six kings, one throne," captures the essence of this star-studded showdown, which is being promoted with high production values akin to a Hollywood blockbuster.
Prize Money and Format
The financial incentives of the Six Kings Slam are staggering. Each participant will receive $1.5 million just for taking part, with the tournament champion set to earn $6 million—nearly double the prize money awarded at Grand Slam events. This level of financial reward is a significant factor in attracting top players to compete in an exhibition that does not contribute to their ATP rankings.
The tournament will unfold over three rounds at a specially constructed 8,000-seat stadium at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Matches will kick off with quarterfinals on October 16, followed by semifinals on October 17, and concluding with the final on October 19. This event is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to enhance its presence in international sports, aligning with its Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and increasing global influence.
