Saudi Arabia is set to make a significant impact on the international tennis scene with the introduction of the Six Kings Slam, a groundbreaking exhibition tournament scheduled for October 16-19, 2024, in Riyadh. This event will feature six of the world’s top tennis stars, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune, competing for an unprecedented prize of $6 million.
The tournament format includes a total of six matches: two quarter-finals, two semi-finals, a third-place match, and the grand final. The quarter-finals will kick off on October 16, with Sinner facing Medvedev and Alcaraz going up against Rune. The semi-finals will see Djokovic and Nadal enter directly against the winners of the quarter-finals.
Despite being an exhibition event, the Six Kings Slam will not award ATP ranking points. However, it stands out due to the substantial financial backing from Saudi Arabia, which aims to attract elite players and enhance its reputation in global sports. This tournament follows a series of tennis events hosted by the country, including the Next Gen Finals and the WTA Finals in 2024.
Rafael Nadal’s participation is particularly noteworthy as it may mark his final appearances on the court before retirement. His involvement has sparked discussions regarding the ethical implications of sports partnerships with Saudi Arabia, yet Nadal emphasizes his focus on promoting tennis in the region.