Learner Tien reacts to losing $1.5 million Six Kings Slam opportunity to Jannik Sinner: "I'm just happy to see him back playing"

Thursday, 05 November 2026 at 18:30

Learner Tien was handed an unexpected opportunity to compete at the Six Kings Slam after Jannik Sinner announced he would not play again in 2026. However, the American will now miss the lucrative exhibition after all, with the Italian returning to the lineup following the tournament's postponement. Tien has reacted to the change, admitting that Sinner's comeback was something he had anticipated.

The 20-year-old had been selected as Sinner's replacement in October, when the two-time defending champion withdrew because of a knee injury. But the decision to move the exhibition from October to December gave the Italian considerably more time to recover, ultimately changing the situation for the player who had initially benefited from his absence.

Tien was asked about Sinner reclaiming his place after the American's opening-round victory at the Paris Masters. Rather than express frustration at losing the opportunity, he welcomed the news that the Italian would be returning to competition before the end of the year.

The change nevertheless represents a significant financial disappointment for Tien. The Six Kings Slam has offered reported appearance fees of $1.5 million per player, with the champion receiving an additional $6 million in previous editions.

Learner Tien expected Jannik Sinner to return after Six Kings Slam postponement

Asked whether he was surprised by Sinner's decision to participate in Riyadh, Tien explained that the revised schedule had made the Italian's return increasingly likely. The postponement effectively gave him another two and a half months to recover from the knee problem that had interrupted his season.

"Honestly, I expected him to come back, given that the event had been postponed. It gave him about two and a half extra months to recover. I'm just happy to see him back playing," Tien said in an interview with BB Tennis.

Learn Tien raises his hand to greet the audience with the crowd in the background

LEARNER TIEN from USA salute crowd after win over Thiago Agustin Tirante from Argentina in round of 16 at Canadian Open

It was a gracious response from a player who had initially been given Sinner's place and will now have to watch the exhibition from outside the field. The American had not been part of the original lineup, but his selection as a replacement offered him the chance to compete alongside some of the biggest names in men's tennis.

Tien's reaction also reflects the circumstances surrounding Sinner's withdrawal. The Italian had announced in early October that he would not compete again during the 2026 season after dealing with a knee injury following his Wimbledon triumph.

His absence ruled him out of the ATP Finals in Turin, where he was the two-time defending champion, and appeared to bring his season to an early close.

Learner Tien on Jannik Sinner’s return to the Six Kings Slam https://t.co/JAmVkHbQxH
— BB Tennis (@BBTennis_tv) November 3, 2026

Six Kings Slam postponement changes the lineup and costs Tien his place

The Six Kings Slam was initially scheduled to take place in Riyadh from October 21 to 24. However, the organisers postponed the exhibition amid security concerns in the region, moving it to December 27, 28 and 30. The revised dates gave Sinner the additional recovery time he needed to reconsider his participation.

The Italian will now return to the event as a two-time defending champion, having defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the finals of both the 2024 and 2025 editions. His return also restores the rivalry that has been central to the exhibition since its inaugural edition.

The 2026 lineup is set to feature Sinner, Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur. Tien, who had been included as Sinner's replacement, is no longer part of the six-player field.

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Unlike ATP Tour events, the Six Kings Slam does not award ranking points and operates as a high-profile exhibition. Its financial incentives, however, have made it one of the most lucrative opportunities in tennis. The reported $1.5 million appearance fee alone would have represented a substantial payday for Tien, while the winner's reported $6 million prize has previously exceeded the singles champion's earnings at any Grand Slam.

For Sinner, the schedule change has created an unexpected opportunity to return before the start of the 2027 season. For Tien, it has meant losing a place he had only recently secured. His comments suggest he holds no resentment towards the Italian, even if the American is ultimately the one who pays the price for the tournament's change of dates.

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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