Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning investment in tennis takes a significant leap forward this October with the announcement of the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament, set to feature some of the sport’s biggest names. Among those confirmed to participate are legendary players Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, alongside rising stars such as Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open victor Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune.
The timing of the tournament, slated to coincide with Riyadh Season, has drawn attention and criticism due to its overlap with the packed ATP schedule. Taking place amidst mandatory tournaments like the Shanghai and Paris Masters, players will have to forgo ATP events to compete in what promises to be a lucrative exhibition. However, the exact dates and format of the Six Kings Slam are yet to be disclosed.
Speculation surrounding Saudi Arabia’s involvement in tennis has intensified, with the Kingdom already hosting the ATP’s Next Gen Finals and nearly securing last year’s WTA Finals. Martina Navratilova voiced concerns over the WTA potentially holding its season-ending event in Saudi Arabia, citing the Kingdom’s restrictive policies towards women. Despite this, Ons Jabeur, the highest-ranked Arab player in WTA history, has expressed support for the idea.
Nadal, recovering from injury, expressed his enthusiasm for playing in Riyadh, while Alcaraz and Djokovic eagerly anticipate showcasing their talents for Saudi fans. Saudi Arabia’s increasing investment in sports extends beyond tennis, with the state-backed Public Investment Fund holding a majority stake in Newcastle United and the LIV series revolutionizing golf, prompting rumors of tennis being the next target.
Amidst discussions about a potential rebel tour akin to the LIV series, Djokovic emphasized the need for tennis to adapt to modern times and cater to younger audiences’ preferences. While rumors swirl, concrete details about such a tour remain scarce, leaving players and fans alike curious about the sport’s future trajectory.