Inside the lucrative Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition in Saudi Arabia

Introduction to the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition

This October, the world’s tennis elite descend on Riyadh for the Six Kings Slam, a high-profile exhibition event boasting one of the most lucrative prize purses in recent memory. With a total prize fund reported at $4.5 million (£3.4 million) and the winner potentially pocketing up to $6 million (£4.5 million), this event is attracting top talent and attention. Held as part of Saudi Arabia's vibrant Riyadh Season, the tournament is designed to entertain and promote tennis in a non-traditional market.

Who are the top players competing in the Six Kings Slam?

The 2025 edition features five of the world’s top 10 men’s players, signalling the tournament’s prestige despite its exhibition status. Leading the pack are world number one Carlos Alcaraz and second-ranked Jannik Sinner, who won the inaugural event in 2024 by defeating Alcaraz in the final.

Other notable competitors include third-ranked Alexander Zverev, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, world number four Taylor Fritz, and two-time major finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. British rising star Jack Draper was initially set to participate but withdrew due to an arm injury, which prematurely ended his season.

How does the Six Kings Slam format work?

The Six Kings Slam is held over three days, beginning at the quarter-final stage, with matches played in a best-of-three sets format. The tournament is structured to ensure player rest, with no matches scheduled on three consecutive days as per ATP exhibition rules.

This year, Djokovic and Alcaraz receive byes into the semi-finals, while Sinner faces Tsitsipas and Zverev takes on Fritz in the quarter-finals. The event is staged at The Venue, an 8,000-seat arena in Riyadh, and broadcast live on Netflix, expanding its global reach following last year’s coverage on DAZN.

Why do top players take part in exhibition events?

Exhibitions like the Six Kings Slam serve multiple purposes beyond prize money. Primarily, they help promote tennis in emerging markets and bring the sport to new audiences, often blending high-level competition with entertainment.

For example, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal famously drew a crowd of 51,954 fans during a 2020 exhibition match in Cape Town, setting a record for tennis attendance at the time. Players like Alcaraz embrace exhibitions to showcase their skills in a less pressured environment, enhancing fan engagement globally.

Alcaraz’s busy schedule includes multiple exhibitions throughout the year, playing alongside stars like Frances Tiafoe and Emma Raducanu, which helps him maintain form and entertain fans.

Exhibitions as a break from the packed ATP calendar

Alcaraz has openly discussed the physical and mental strain of the crowded tennis calendar, describing it as "going to kill us in some way." Exhibitions often provide a relaxed setting where players can experiment with their game and unwind from the rigours of ATP competition.

His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, notes that the entertainment-focused nature of exhibitions allows players to perform with less pressure, contributing to their overall wellbeing and longevity in the sport.

Controversies and criticisms surrounding exhibitions in Saudi Arabia

The growing involvement of Saudi Arabia in global sports has sparked debate, with some critics accusing the kingdom of 'sportswashing' — using sports events to improve its international image amid ongoing human rights concerns.

Some players, including world number 12 Casper Ruud, have declined invitations to compete in Saudi Arabia, citing ethical considerations. Ruud has also highlighted inconsistencies by pointing out that many athletes compete in other countries with questionable records, such as China.

Balancing commercial interests and ethical concerns

The debate raises important questions about the role of sport in geopolitics and whether financial incentives outweigh broader social responsibilities. For fans and players alike, exhibitions like the Six Kings Slam exemplify this balance between spectacle and scrutiny.

The impact of Six Kings Slam on tennis and global sports culture

Despite its exhibition status, the Six Kings Slam is reshaping how tennis reaches new audiences and markets. By combining top-tier talent, substantial prize money, and innovative broadcasting through platforms like Netflix, the event is setting new standards for tennis entertainment.

Moreover, the tournament complements other major sporting events held during Riyadh Season, boosting Saudi Arabia’s profile as a destination for world-class sports and entertainment. This mirrors trends seen in other sports, where nations invest heavily to attract global events, as explored in our article on the excitement of the Ryder Cup.

Conclusion: What the Six Kings Slam means for tennis fans and players

The Six Kings Slam exemplifies the evolving landscape of professional tennis, where exhibitions offer players lucrative opportunities and fans thrilling matches outside the traditional ATP tour. While questions about ethics and scheduling persist, the event continues to attract the sport’s biggest names and push tennis into new markets.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect high-quality tennis combined with a unique, entertainment-driven atmosphere that celebrates the sport’s global reach. For those interested in how tennis rankings and official competitions contrast with exhibitions like this, our detailed guide on UK and Ireland football leagues and cups offers analogous insights into sports structures and competitions.