Six of the biggest names in men’s tennis have signed up for a competition that is certain to cause a real stir as it promotes itself as the sixth Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune will play in the ‘6 Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, with this event highlighting the eagerness of Saudi Arabia to get a foothold in tennis.
Djokovic and Alcaraz played an exhibition match in Riyadh in December, with the two players receiving huge sums to take part in a match that was played before a big crowd.
Now the 24-time Grand Slam legend and the reigning Wimbledon champion will return to Saudi Arabia to play in a tournament that will be part of the Riyadh Season 2024.
When asked about how he feels about returning to Riyadh, Djokovic said: “I am excited to return to Riyadh and play in front of all my Saudi fans.”
Nadal expressed his excitement for “6 Kings Slam” by saying: “After some other tennis players have done so, I am very excited to play for the first time in Riyadh.”
They will be joined by reigning Wimbledon Champion, Carlos Alcaraz, who won Riyadh Season Tennis Cup 2023, and is the current world number two, who stated his delight to be back in Riyadh again as he said: “I’m very happy to come back to Riyadh to show the best of my game.”
Former US Open winner and current world number 3, Daniil Medvedev, will also be in the field and he stated: “I am really looking forward to coming back to Saudi.
“Ever since my first trip in 2019, I have been back several times and really looking forward to being part of this new event. The best players in the world all in one place is exciting. I cannot wait to see everyone out there.”
The money being offered to the six players taking part in the ‘6 Kings Slam’ would have been hard to resist, but there will be some questioning whether this latest move by Saudi authorities is further evidence of their desire to have a wider influence in tennis.
Rumours of a breakaway tour have been hovering around the tennis community in recent months, with Saudi officials believed to be ready to back that move.
Now they have highlighted the influence they have over the game’s top players by gathering them all together for one event that is certain to create huge interest.
Nadal’s commitment to the event would appear to banish the notion that he might be preparing to retire at this summer’s French Open and it is no surprise that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is part of the ‘6 Kings Slam’.
The Spaniard was always likely to be part of the line-up after he was unveiled as the new Saudi tennis ambassador last month.
“Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that,” said Nadal as he confirmed his deal with the Saudis.
“I continue to play tennis as I love the game. But beyond playing I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world and in Saudi there is real potential.
“The kids here today are looking to the future and have a real passion for all sports. If I can help them pick up a racquet or simply get fit and enjoy the benefits of healthy living, then I’ll be happy to have made a difference.”