The tennis world turns its gaze to Riyadh this week as the second edition of the Six Kings Slam kicks off, drawing both excitement and controversy in equal measure. With a staggering $13.5 million prize pool and a star-studded lineup, this Saudi-funded exhibition has quickly carved out a unique place in the sport’s evolving landscape. As the matches get underway, the event is already making headlines for its unprecedented payouts, high-profile participants, and the broader debates it sparks about tennis’s future.
At the heart of the intrigue are six of the game’s biggest names: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. For these players, the Six Kings Slam isn’t just another stop on a grueling tour—it’s a lucrative opportunity that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Each participant is guaranteed a reported $1.5 million just for showing up, while the ultimate champion will pocket a cool $6 million, more than any Grand Slam winner has ever taken home. The event’s matches, broadcast live on Netflix, aim to pull in not only die-hard tennis fans but also a broader, global audience.
For Taylor Fritz, currently ranked among the world’s top players, the financial incentive is impossible to ignore. "I'd love for them to show me a tournament where you can go play three matches -- well, for the top two seeds, two matches -- and potentially make $6 million," Fritz remarked in a candid video interview from Riyadh. He’s unapologetic about his motivation: "The money is nothing we're trying to hide. We know how much is at stake here, and it would be a lie if I told you it wasn't a motivation."
Fritz’s openness reflects a broader generational shift in tennis. Today’s stars are more willing than ever to acknowledge the financial realities that come with their profession. As Fritz put it, "You can't complain about growing the game and then criticize when players try new things." He sees the Six Kings Slam as a chance to expand tennis’s reach, comparing it to the Laver Cup, which started as an exhibition and quickly became one of the sport’s most-watched events. "Whenever the world's best compete against each other, it's good for tennis. This tournament is very positive for our sport; it allows us to reach more audiences and serves as a litmus test for all of us," he explained to Tennis365, adding, "It's going to be live on Netflix, and you'll get not just tennis fans but a different audience too. That's huge for the sport."
Jannik Sinner, the reigning Six Kings Slam champion and one of the sport’s breakout stars in 2025, echoes that sentiment. Sinner arrives in Riyadh fresh off a season in which he captured both the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and finished runner-up at the French Open and US Open. Despite a recent bout of severe leg cramps that forced him out of the Shanghai Masters just 11 days ago, Sinner insists he’s ready: "I recovered. We took a few days off to rest and now we're ready for the rest of the season," he said. "Mentally I'm in good shape ... and will give 100%." Sinner’s first challenge comes against Stefanos Tsitsipas on opening day.
The tournament’s format is simple but high-stakes. On Wednesday, October 15, Sinner faces Tsitsipas, while Fritz squares off against Zverev. The winners of those matches will meet Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, respectively, on Thursday. After a rest day on Friday, the two semifinal winners will clash for the title on Saturday, October 18. The condensed schedule means every match is a marquee showdown, with little room for error and plenty of incentive to bring one’s best.
The presence of legends like Djokovic, who holds a men’s record 24 Grand Slam titles, and rising stars like Alcaraz (six major titles) and Sinner (four), ensures the competition will be fierce. Fritz, for his part, is eager for the challenge—he’ll open against Zverev, a three-time major finalist who’s no stranger to high-pressure contests. Tsitsipas, who has twice finished runner-up to Djokovic at Grand Slams, rounds out the elite field.
Yet, not everyone is celebrating the Six Kings Slam’s arrival. Critics, including Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, have voiced concerns about tennis’s deepening ties to Saudi Arabia, citing the kingdom’s record on LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. Others worry about the event’s timing, squeezed into an already packed tennis calendar, and question whether such exhibitions undermine the sport’s traditional structures. For Fritz, these criticisms miss the point: "It's still tennis - great players, big matches, and fans who love to see it. That's what matters." He also points out that the event offers players a chance to experience new things and build camaraderie: "The good thing about this type of events is that it allows us to live new experiences beyond the court and get to know each other better among the players, which is very positive."
Despite the controversy, there’s no denying the Six Kings Slam is a spectacle. The glitzy production, massive payouts, and Netflix partnership all signal a new era in tennis entertainment—one that’s as much about global exposure and media innovation as it is about the game itself. Fritz, reflecting on his own journey, admits the year has had its ups and downs due to injuries but remains upbeat: "I remain among the best, trying to play my best tennis. I've had ups and downs due to injuries, but I'm happy with my effort throughout the year."
As for the future, Fritz doesn’t see the sport’s elder statesmen slowing down anytime soon. When asked about Novak Djokovic’s longevity, Fritz was emphatic: "I haven't seen any signs of decline in his tennis. Reaching the semifinals of all Grand Slams is a great record; he maintains the motivation and the necessary level to compete. Honestly, it's hard for me to think that he might retire soon seeing his performance this season, because he also loves this sport."
With the Six Kings Slam underway, the tennis world is watching to see whether this bold new venture will become a permanent fixture or remain a flashy outlier. For now, the players are focused on the matches ahead, the fans are tuning in from around the globe, and the conversation about the sport’s direction is more vibrant than ever. One thing’s certain: in Riyadh this week, tennis is making headlines for reasons no one can ignore.
