Andy Roddick doesn’t seem to be a fan of the Six Kings Slam after stating that it lacks the same charm as the Laver Cup. Despite the presence of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, as well as world No. 1 and 2 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the tournament failed to impress Roddick.
For the former world No. 1, the exhibition tournament, which awarded over 14 million dollars in prize money, wasn’t particularly appealing, although he acknowledged the significant financial benefits for the players. "It definitely doesn't make me sick to my stomach that he made more than 25% of my career prize money in three days of exhibition tennis. That's great! In all seriousness, I never begrudge anyone their choices,” he said.
“Listen, if someone's going to pay you that amount of money, and all you have to do is some awkward dancing... The whole thing just looked completely unnatural. It looked weird. I had no interest in it,” the 2003 US Open champion added.
Roddick closely followed the tournament but felt that there was a lack of interaction between players on the court. “Even with Novak and Rafa involved, it didn’t feel right. It felt like an exhibition, but without the charm of something like the Laver Cup, where you get to see the interactions between players and the legends get brought back.”
“For better or worse, we're going to see more of these types of things – these exhibition matches with outsized budgets. It’s easier to pay Sinner $6 million when you're not responsible for 122 other players at an event, plus doubles, and all the other expenses.”
Each player earned 1.5 million dollars for their participation, including Holger Rune and Daniil Medvedev, who only played one match. Even more surprising was the 6 million dollars given to champion Sinner, who received the largest prize money in tennis history. “It's one court, not a million courts, and there are no major expenses. It’s a marketing budget for a government, so I think it’s great for them. Fantastic – take your money,” Andy Roddick concluded.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
