All You Need to Know About Saudi Arabia's Six Kings Slam ft. Djokovic, Nadal, Alcaraz & More

Saudi Arabia is all set to create its mark in the world of tennis with a revolutionary new tournament, the Six Kings Slam. This exhibition event promises groundbreaking prize money and a star-studded lineup of top players. Here’s all you need to know about the forthcoming tournament and why it’s capturing attention from tennis fans all around the globe.

What is the Six Kings Slam?

The Six Kings Slam is a tennis exhibition set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Unlike ATP tournaments or Grand Slam events, this will not add to players’ ranking points. Nevertheless, it’s a part of the Riyadh Season, an annual cultural and sporting festival, and aims to represent the sport to a global audience. The event is also a contemplation of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to host major sporting events and bring some of the world’s top athletes to its coasts.

Record-Breaking Prize Money

What makes this tournament truly stand-out is its unparalleled prize money. Each player will walk away with an astonishing $1.5 million (about INR 13 crores) just for participating. The winner, nevertheless, will take home a startling $6 million (around INR 51 crores), the highest ever prize money in tennis history. The sheer scale of these rewards far exceeds even the most renowned tennis events, such as Wimbledon or the US Open.

This enormous financial incentive is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader aspiration to establish itself as a key player in the worldwide sports industry. The country has already made a mark in football, Formula One, and golf by attracting big names and high-profile events. Now, through tennis, Saudi Arabia targets to capture the attention of the global tennis fellowship.

A Stellar Lineup of Tennis Greats

The tournament will feature six of the biggest stars in men’s tennis, forming the "Kings" of the Six Kings Slam:

1. Novak Djokovic – The 24-time Grand Slam champion and present world number one.

2. Rafael Nadal – A 22-time Grand Slam winner known for his influence on clay courts.

3. Carlos Alcaraz – The youngest player in the team and a four-time Grand Slam champion.

4. Daniil Medvedev – 2022 US Open winner and one of the most consistent players on hard courts.

5. Jannik Sinner – Two-time Grand Slam winner and a rising star in the world of tennis.

6. Holger Rune – The talented 21-year-old who has quickly elevated through the ranks but is yet to achieve a Grand Slam.

Notably, some top players like Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas did not make the cut, which raised eyebrows among tennis enthusiasts. While Holger Rune’s incorporation has been questioned by some, his amazing performance on the tour symbolises that he’s a player to watch.

When & Where Will It Take Place?

The Six Kings Slam will take place from October 16 to 19, 2024, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The event will integrate a rest day on October 18, as per ATP rules that limit exhibition events to a maximum of two consecutive days of play. The matches are anticipated to be played on hard courts, even though the detailed format of the tournament has not yet been illustrated.

No Female Players: A Controversial Decision

One major aspect of the Six Kings Slam that has brought condemnation is the absence of female players. Saudi Arabia’s push into tennis has been met with opposition from some prestigious figures in women’s tennis. Legends like *Martina Navratilova* and *Chris Evert* have openly voiced their objections to Saudi Arabia hosting major tennis events, specifically the WTA Finals, citing the country’s track record on human rights and its treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.

Navratilova and Evert expressed their worries that Saudi Arabia’s values clash with those of women’s tennis, which plans to promote equality and diversity. This debate highlights the ongoing struggle between sports and politics, as countries like Saudi Arabia use sporting events to improve their global image.

The Bigger Picture

Saudi Arabia’s Six Kings Slam is more than just an exhibition—it’s part of a larger strategy by the country to become a core for international sports. With ground-breaking prize money, a star-studded lineup, and the potential to attract viewers from around the globe, the event is set to have a major effect on tennis and Saudi Arabia’s role in universal sports.

While some controversies surround the event, particularly regarding the exclusion of female players, there’s no denying the importance of the Six Kings Slam in the tennis world. Whether it succeeds in elevating Saudi Arabia’s position in tennis continues to be seen, but one thing remains certain—the eyes of the sporting world will be on Riyadh this October.

Cover Credits - Tennis Clubhouse