By Florence Baxter
As an intensive year in the tennis calendar, with the addition of the Olympics, draws to a close, a new tournament is on the horizon – The Six Kings Slam. The exhibition event premiered today in Saudi Arabia (16th October), boasting a high-profile field: Nadal, Djokovic, Alcaraz, Sinner, Medvedev and Rune (or the ‘six kings’, so to speak).
So, what is it?
The Six Kings Slam is a new event, led by Djokovic and Nadal, both of whom have received byes into the semi-finals, which will run from October 16th – 19th in Riyadh.
Unlike other exhibition events, the matches will be held across three days, with a rest day to ensure player compliance with ATP contracts and rules. Another unusual element of the tournament is that The Venue, hosting the tournament, was purpose-built with audio-visual technology to add to the excitement and uniqueness of the tournament.
Player selection
With no specific criteria for choosing the players featured in the tournament, these players have made their mark either by their consistent success in major tournaments, or through a unique style of play that has earned them global recognition. The format of the tournament is designed to offer an elite, fast-paced competition where the best of the best face off in a series of singles matches.
However, the line-up has raised a few questions, particularly relating to Rune. With 5 of the 6 event competitors boasting grand slam titles (over twenty titles for Djokovic and Nadal), it is difficult to ignore that Rune is the only non-grand slam champion competing. The young Danish player has never pushed beyond a grand slam semi-final, and currently only sits at World Number 14 in the ATP Rankings, making this selection more controversial than the rest. Other Next Gen players featured in the tournament lineup include Sinner and Alcaraz, who make it difficult to cut slack based on age: Alcaraz (also aged 21) is now a four-time grand slam champion and 23-year-old Sinner holds two major titles. However, the spotlight is shining on Holger Rune as many believe he has not yet reached his career peak, and that the young player will go on to win grand slam titles, and even exceed the level of dominant forces Alcaraz and Sinner.
This controversy has only been affirmed and continues to spark questions about whether Rune will ever be able to raise his level to that of his proven competitors, fuelled by the outcome of today’s first round of matches. Rune was defeated in straight sets by Alcaraz on Riyadh’s hard courts earlier today, however, it is notable that, on the other side of the draw, Sinner also swept passed Medvedev, not dropping a game in the opening set.
Set for success?
Despite no ATP points up for grabs, with a draw of such well-regarded players, the ‘Slam’ becomes a very difficult tournament to ignore for fans and press alike. The draw for players, if not ranking points? A record-breaking prize pot of a whopping $6 million – more than any of the Grand Slams! Although there are only five other competitors to fend off for this grand prize, unlike most tournaments, the exhibition boasts the highest-ever financial prize in tennis history, alongside $1.5 million for just showing up (a bigger prize than that of a 2024 US Open semi-finalist!) Especially with Nadal’s retirement on the horizon, this also provides Nadal’s ever-growing fan base with another final opportunity to watch him play, including potentially against career-long rival Djokovic. In the semi-final match-up, Rafael Nadal will face fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz for possibly the last time in his career before partnering him at the Davis Cup finals. On the opposite side of the draw, a heated head-to-head between Sinner and Djokovic can be expected. The force of Next Gen players versus over twenty-time grand slam champions is sure to set some sparks flying into the semi finals…
