Fans are eagerly anticipating the Six Kings Slam, set to begin on October 16th. A star-studded trailer, featuring Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Rafael Nadal, has fueled excitement. However, Andy Murray’s critical comments about the exhibition match, followed by Corentin Moutet’s humorous take on the trailer’s grandeur, have added a layer of intrigue to the event.
The event in Riyadh will not offer ATP ranking points to the players but promises jaw-dropping prize money for all the contenders ($1.6 million). A hint of the grandeur of the event is quite evident in the cinematic trailer itself, where players are placed in historical scenes. The five-minute trailer, directed by Los Perez, linked to the players’ style of play and nationalities, has impressed fans with its glamor. However, as per the former World No. 1, Murray’s X post, “Except it’s not a movie and you won’t watch it because it’s an exhibition tennis event that nobody cares about 👍.”
And now, the former World No. 51, Moutet, has echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting the stark financial contrast between top-tier players and the low-ranked players. “The trailer is more expensive than my prize money this year 😂.” Murray had also previously pointed out the lack of playing opportunities for the low-ranked players and earning more money, unlike the high-ranked players. He concluded, “So there has to be a bit if a balance to that.”
In February, Murray called out such “hypocritical” actions of players, stating how “players are flying all over the world in the off-season to play exhibitions, and that’s their choice,” after noting players’ complaining about the schedules. But some have a different opinion!
Novak Djokovic and Nadal’s statements about playing in Riyadh!
After enduring US Open heartbreak, Novak Djokovic returned to action in the Davis Cup. There, admitting his uncertainties about future plans in tennis, he talked about his intention of “enjoying” his matches to “prolong” his career. Soon, he opted to play in Saudi Arabia, where he played the Season Tennis exhibition event in 2023. “I am excited to return to Riyadh and play in front of all my Saudi fans.”
Similarly, Nadal, who has been missing on-court since his Olympic defeat, also expressed his excitement about the event. “After some other tennis players have done so, I am very excited to play for the first time in Riyadh,” said the ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. However, while fans cannot wait to witness the matches in the Six Kings Slam, Moutet’s comment served as a reminder of the sport’s financial realities!
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