$1.5 million just to play: Six Kings Slam braced for Jannik Sinner absence as three names emerge as replacements
ATP
Jannik Sinner's participation in the Six Kings Slam is now in serious doubt, with the world No. 1 having warned organizers that it could be difficult for him to travel to Riyadh later this month. According to Punto de Break, Sinner has not officially withdrawn but has already prompted organizers to consider possible alternatives.
The Italian is expected to make a final decision next week, with his return to competition still uncertain after being sidelined since the Wimbledon final in July. Sinner has yet to set a firm comeback date.
If he cannot compete, Daniil Medvedev, Ben Shelton and Arthur Fils are among the main candidates being considered as replacements. Medvedev played in the inaugural edition in 2024, while Shelton and Fils would make their Six Kings Slam debuts.
Sinner has won both previous editions, beating Carlos Alcaraz in the final each time, and is scheduled to begin his title defence against Alex de Minaur on October 21. His absence would be a major blow to the event, which offers $1.5 million simply for participating and up to $6 million to the champion.
Medvedev, Shelton and Fils emerge as possible replacements
Sinner has already missed the entire Asian hard-court swing, including the Shanghai Masters, after remaining out of competition since losing the Wimbledon final on July 12. The world No. 1 was initially sidelined with a knee issue that also forced him to miss the Canadian Open, Cincinnati and the US Open before his absence continued into the Chinese swing.
The Italian had undergone tests to determine whether a return in Shanghai was possible, but ultimately did not travel to China. With no confirmed comeback date, the Six Kings Slam has now become another major question mark in his schedule, with the Paris Masters or ATP Finals currently appearing more realistic as possible return points.
If Sinner does pull out, Medvedev would bring previous experience of the event. The former world No. 1 played at the 2024 Six Kings Slam, although he lost to Sinner in the semi-finals before defeating Novak Djokovic in the third-place match.
Shelton and Fils would offer a different profile. Both are younger players who would add another generation to an event already featuring Alcaraz, Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and de Minaur. Neither has yet played the Six Kings Slam, making a potential invitation a significant opportunity.
The organizers therefore have several options on the table, but Sinner's final decision remains the key factor. Until he confirms that he cannot compete, the tournament will continue to prepare for both scenarios.
Six Kings Slam finals
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Score |
| 2024 | Jannik Sinner | Carlos Alcaraz | 6–7(5–7), 6–3, 6–3 |
| 2025 | Jannik Sinner | Carlos Alcaraz | 6–2, 6–4 |
Sinner's absence would leave a $6 million opportunity
The financial stakes make the uncertainty particularly notable. Every player invited to the Six Kings Slam receives $1.5 million simply for participating, while the champion receives an additional $4.5 million. That means the eventual winner can collect a total of $6 million, giving Sinner another significant reason to try to return if his physical condition allows it.
The tournament will take place in Riyadh on October 21, 22 and 24, with the quarterfinals scheduled for the opening day, followed by the semi-finals and final. A third-place match will also be played on the final night.
Alcaraz and Djokovic have again been given direct access to the semi-finals, while the other four players must win a quarterfinal to reach the last four. Sinner is currently drawn to face de Minaur, with the winner advancing to meet Djokovic in the semi-finals. The other quarterfinal sees Zverev face Fritz, with Alcaraz awaiting the winner.
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Sinner has dominated the event since its creation. He beat Alcaraz in the 2024 final after recovering from a set down, then produced a 6-2, 6-4 victory over the Spaniard in last year's championship match. His potential absence would therefore remove not only the defending champion but also one of the tournament's defining rivalries.
For now, however, the Six Kings Slam remains in a holding pattern. Sinner has not said no, but organizers are already preparing for the possibility that he will not be able to defend his title — and Medvedev, Shelton and Fils are among the names who could benefit.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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