Jannik Sinner delivered a masterclass performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz and win the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, claiming a whopping $6 million prize in the process. The Italian’s dominant 6-2, 6-4 victory over the world number one showcased his improved game and set the stage for their ongoing rivalry, avenging his loss in the US Open final just a month prior.
Sinner’s victory was characterized by his exceptional serving, where he won over 80 percent of his service points and did not face a single break point throughout the match. This marked a significant improvement from their previous encounter, and the match lasted just 73 minutes, with Sinner controlling the tempo from start to finish. His aggressive baseline play and precise shot-making left Alcaraz struggling to find answers, as the Italian consistently applied pressure with deep returns and swift movement.
Carlos Alcaraz acknowledged Sinner’s superior play, stating that he felt “under pressure” due to Sinner’s enhanced serve. “He played great today. He didn’t let me get a good rhythm,” Alcaraz said. “When he’s serving that way, it’s really difficult to play.” Alcaraz also noted that Sinner’s level was so high that it seemed like “he was playing ping pong,” highlighting the intensity and one-sided nature of the contest, which left few opportunities for the Spaniard to mount a comeback.
The Six Kings Slam is an exhibition event that does not count towards ATP rankings or head-to-head records, but it features a lucrative prize pool. Each of the six players received a $1.5 million appearance fee, with the winner taking home an additional $4.5 million, bringing the total to $6 million. This sum exceeds the prize money for any Grand Slam tournament this season, including the US Open, which offered $5 million to the champion, underscoring the financial allure of such exhibitions in modern tennis.
In other matches, Novak Djokovic retired from his third-place playoff against Taylor Fritz after losing a grueling 75-minute first set. Djokovic cited physical issues, raising concerns about the remainder of his season. Meanwhile, Sinner’s path to the final included a convincing win over Djokovic in the semifinals, where he also demonstrated his improved serve, winning over 80 percent of service points in that match as well, further cementing his form ahead of the title clash.
The rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz continues to captivate tennis fans, with both players expressing mutual respect and friendship off the court. “We have a special friendship off the court, which is great,” Alcaraz mentioned. Sinner echoed this, saying, “It’s a huge pleasure and an honor to share the court with him.” Their camaraderie adds a unique dimension to their competitive clashes, with Sinner noting that despite losing many times to Alcaraz, it motivates him to improve and push the boundaries of his game.
Looking ahead, Sinner is set to compete in the Vienna Open and potentially the Paris Masters before the ATP Finals in Turin, where he will enjoy home support. Alcaraz, who has already secured the year-end number one ranking, aims to add more titles to his eight wins this season. Both players may also face off in the Davis Cup, adding another chapter to their rivalry, as Italy and Spain are on opposite sides of the draw, promising more high-stakes encounters.
This victory boosts Sinner’s confidence as he seeks to close the gap on Alcaraz in their head-to-head record and in the race for major titles. With the tennis season winding down, their performances in upcoming tournaments will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the future and potentially reshaping the dynamics at the top of men’s tennis.