World No 2 Jannik Sinner defended his Six Kings Slam title in Riyadh on Saturday, defeating top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 6-4 in just 73 minutes. The victory secured Sinner a reported $6 million in earnings, which includes $4.5 million in prize money and a $1.5 million participation fee. In addition to the cash prize, Sinner was presented with a stunning full-size, solid gold racket worth $250,000, a symbol of excellence in the sport of tennis.
The Italian player, 24, showed his skill and composure on court, maintaining his status as a top-tier player. This was Sinner’s second consecutive win at the event, having claimed the crown last year as well. His golden racket is a rare and prestigious award, with Rafael Nadal being the previous recipient during his only appearance at the Six Kings Slam in 2024, in recognition of his illustrious tennis career.
Sinner Reflects on His Riyadh Experience
Speaking after his win, Sinner shared his appreciation for both the event and the atmosphere in Saudi Arabia. “I’m happy with my performance and proud it was a great week,” he said. “It’s nice to see many positive things, and the people’s love was truly wonderful. The passion here is huge.” He noted the impressive facilities and the warm reception from fans, adding that the improvements in the country’s sporting infrastructure were evident.
Sinner also expressed his excitement about returning to Riyadh. “This country will be important for us players in the future, and we’ve come to deliver the best product for our sport,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the future of this championship.”
The Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia
The Six Kings Slam exhibition event, which took place over three days, featured six of the world’s top male tennis players. The competition was streamed live on Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience. Despite the high-profile nature of the tournament, the results do not impact the ATP rankings or count towards official head-to-head records.
The event is organised by Turki Al Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and adviser at the Royal Court. Al Sheikh posted a video on social media showing Sinner receiving his golden racket in a ceremony that celebrated both the sport and the city of Riyadh.
Sinner’s victory added another chapter to the growing success of the Six Kings Slam, an event that has captured the attention of both tennis fans and global viewers. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its sporting infrastructure and international events, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in the future of global tennis.
The competition in Riyadh not only showcased world-class tennis but also highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to developing as a hub for major international sporting events. With plans to host even more high-profile tournaments in the future, Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for athletes and fans alike.
For more on the Kingdom’s sporting ambitions, check out FIP Asia Padel Cup: Bahrain, China, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Kazakhstan off to winning starts and Sheikh Mohammed’s vision: Dubai to host world’s largest tech and AI event in 2026.
