Six Kings Slam

Six Kings Slam 2025 Is Back, and It’s Serving Up Drama With Side Orders of Cash

Fahad Hamid

Tennis fans, brace yourselves, because the Six Kings Slam is storming back into the Riyadh courts this October 15-18. For anyone who missed last year’s smash-hit debut (seriously, where were you?), the hardcourts of ANB Arena are about to light up with tennis royalty and a sprinkle of drama. What makes this event a standout? Oh, just a casual $1.5 million appearance fee per player. No biggie.

Headlining the event are Jannik Sinner, the defending champion, last year’s golden boy Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic, who may or may not be arriving only for the fat paycheck and the bragging rights. The Six Kings Slam is where fiery rivalries meet glittering paychecks. And Riyadh Season, the larger festival encompassing this spectacle, promises enough pizazz to make even Hollywood look dull.

What Is the “Six Kings Slam” Anyway?

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner celebrates after defeating Taylor Fritz in the men’s singles final of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York on Sept. 8, 2024.

For the uninitiated, this isn’t your typical Grand Slam. The Six Kings Slam, now in its second year, isn’t about ATP points or career-defining glory (or so they say). It’s a high-octane, cash-stuffed exhibition tourney featuring six of the best male players in the game.

But don’t dismiss it as just a friendly knockabout. There’s drama here too. Last year, Sinner and Alcaraz clashed in what became one of the most memorable exhibition finals, ending with Sinner pocketing a casual $6 million. And if that’s not extra enough, the event overlaps with more traditional ATP 250 tournaments in Almaty, Stockholm, and Brussels. Priorities, much?

Who’s Playing the Six Kings Slam?

Here’s the roster for this year’s thrill fest:

  • Jannik Sinner: The defending champ who also casually snagged Australian Open and Wimbledon victories this year. No big deal.
  • Carlos Alcaraz: Last year’s runner-up and 2025 French Open champ. He’s already gearing up to avenge his loss. Drama alert? Maybe.
  • Novak Djokovic: Record-holder, legend, and the guy who shows up at exhibitions like it’s a midweek yoga class. Can he finally win the trophy here? TBD.
  • Taylor Fritz: The American big server who, funnily enough, has never won a Slam but consistently punches above his weight.
  • Alexander Zverev: Three-time Grand Slam finalist and another Slam-less wonder making his debut.
  • Jack Draper: The new kid on the block who hasn’t even reached a major final yet. But hey, he’s a rising star, and why not cash in while climbing the charts?

Noticeable absentees from last year are Rafael Nadal (retired) and Daniil Medvedev (whose absence means no Russian zingers on court this time). Boo.

Why Are We Really Here?

The money. Oh, did we mention the money? Reports suggest players pocket a $1.5 million participation fee just for showing up. Sinner’s winner’s check last year of $6 million reportedly made up almost a third of his season earnings. Honestly, maybe tennis players need better fiscal training, because exhibition wins shouldn’t feel this lucrative.

But hey, this is Saudi Arabia flexing its sports petrodollar muscles during Riyadh Season, an annual mega festival attracting international celebrities and over 20 million visitors last year. Think concerts, cultural showcases, and yes, high-stakes tennis.

Why Does This Event Matter?

Here’s the kicker. While critics argue that exhibition matches like these are turning the sport into a spectacle, the Six Kings Slam does something unique. It gives players a literal golden incentive to perform outside the usual tight-knit ATP calendar. Plus, it lets tennis dip into markets outside its European- and American-centric bubbles. Saudi Arabia doesn’t just want to host tennis; it’s vying for dominance across global sports. Heck, why not?

And gossip-lovers rejoice. The sheer mixture of Djokovic’s career twilight, Alcaraz’s smoldering comeback arc, and Sinner’s relentless winning streak makes this tournament low-key exhilarating. Forget the austere match setups of the ATP tour; this is where tennis gets flamboyant.

Mark Your Calendar

October 15-18. Riyadh. Six players. Insane cash prizes. Whether you’re a tennis purist or just here to watch athletes casually earn lottery-sized paychecks for… well, hitting a little fuzzy ball… Riyadh is the place to be.

Now the real question is, will this year’s winner actually “play for glory” like Sinner said last year, or is it just about the money? Either way, it’s going to be worth watching.

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