Tennis stars Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz are turning heads with a bold move that’s sparking both excitement and debate. In a sport where players often grumble about an overcrowded calendar, why would top athletes add another event to their schedule? Enter the Six Kings Slam, a high-stakes exhibition tournament kicking off Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, where a staggering $6 million prize is up for grabs. But here’s where it gets controversial: is it purely about the money, or is there more to the story?
Taylor Fritz didn’t mince words when asked about his motivation. 'Show me another tournament where you play just two or three matches and walk away with $6 million,' Fritz challenged during a video interview from Riyadh. 'I’d love to hear that from the critics.' His point is hard to argue with—the financial incentive is undeniable. Fritz is one of six elite players competing in the second edition of this event, alongside Jannik Sinner, who pocketed the top prize last year in Saudi Arabia. To put it in perspective, even the recent $5 million payout at the US Open pales in comparison.
This tournament is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious push into the tennis world, which includes hosting the WTA Finals in Riyadh, the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, and sponsoring the tours’ rankings. But this is the part most people miss: the kingdom’s involvement hasn’t been without controversy. Tennis legends like Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have criticized the sport’s ties to Saudi Arabia, citing concerns over LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. Is tennis selling out, or is this a necessary step for the sport’s growth? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For the players, the Six Kings Slam is a no-brainer. Each participant is guaranteed a reported $1.5 million appearance fee, with the winner taking home four times that amount. Sinner, fresh off his Australian Open and Wimbledon wins, admitted, 'The money is a huge motivation. It would be a lie to say otherwise.' But he also emphasized the competitive spirit, adding, 'Every player here will fight to win as many matches as possible. It’s like any other exhibition, but with a bit more on the line.'
Sinner’s recent health scare—severe leg cramps at the Shanghai Masters—raised eyebrows, but he assured fans he’s fully recovered. 'Mentally, I’m in a great place, and I’ll give 100%,' he said. Meanwhile, Fritz is gearing up to face Alexander Zverev on Day 1, with the winner taking on Carlos Alcaraz. On the other side of the draw, Sinner will battle Stefano Tsitsipas, and the victor will face Novak Djokovic. With a lineup featuring 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, six-time major winner Alcaraz, and rising star Sinner, this event is anything but an afterthought.
But here’s the question: Does the Six Kings Slam cheapen the sport, or does it offer a fresh, high-stakes format that fans and players alike can get behind? Let us know what you think. One thing’s for sure—with millions on the line and some of the biggest names in tennis competing, this tournament is set to make waves, whether you love it or hate it.
