Saudi Arabia announce next step into tennis with '6 Kings Slam' tournament featuring Djokovic, Nadal, Alcaraz, Sinner, Medvedev and Rune
ATPMonday, 05 February 2024 at 23:20
With rumours circulating consistently about Saudi Arabia hosting the WTA Finals, they have announced their next albeit not affiliated step into the sport in the form of the '6 Kings Slam' with an exhibition tournament set to take place in the middle of October.
It will feature six huge names of men's tennis in Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune. Despite the name as many have since pointed out, Rune is an odd one out as the only player without a Grand Slam currently.
This will form part of Riyadh Season and despite no date being announced, it will likely wreak havoc when it comes to the end of the season with two huge ATP 1000 tournaments in Shanghai and Paris taking place and likely in the middle of the Asian Swing meaning decisions by the leading six will likely have to be taken.
As well as the mooted WTA Finals, Saudi Arabia does have some history with men's tennis. The tour is about to head to the MIddle East before the Sunshine Double and ordinarily, the season ends with exhibitions in Saudi Arabia formerly the Diriyah Tennis Cup and also this past Christmas saw the two matches take place between Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur as well as Carlos Alcaraz facing Novak Djokovic. This means that it is no shock.
Turki Alalshikh who is chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) confirmed the news and he has been behind a global change in boxing in particular as of late with super fights being made and promotional alliances being put aside to make the biggest fights. This could mean that this is a mere precursor to further movements in tennis heading to Saudi Arabia.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- …and Foseca ;)DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- All the men dropping like flies. Something’s gotta be done with the tournament calendar or many more players will be on the sidelines in the near future. Surprised Carlos is back as soon as he is. Get well soon Sinner, Draper, Fokina, Rune, etc. etc. etc……DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- I want Pegula to surprise as a one-slam wonder winning in New York. She would then jump over the other three ladies for a number one ranking! I’d put my money on the two American girlies, Jessica and Coco to win in New York. Rybakina cannot seem to perform under this kind of pressure and Sabalenka appears in an anger fog ATM.DaveyWavey24-08-2026
- Well said, Andy. I got sick of Nick carrying on and on and on about Sinner. He absolutely refused to look at the facts. Now look at him. Karma is real!!!Rapunzel23-08-2026
- The fact that ANDY RODDICK of all people has become the voice of “reason” is interesting. He’s absolutely correct about Kyrgios too. He’s become a tennis influencer who is a total hypocrite and bully! I agree with RODDICK 100%DaveyWavey23-08-2026
- Great article! Thiem was similar to Del Potro in that both men had won Grand Slams and injured wrists each stole their careers away. Sad really.DaveyWavey22-08-2026
- I’m not quite sure what’s happening with Sabalenka but she is horrible on court when she’s losing (which is a lot lately). If you cannot control your self at all once you start losing matches - especially at 28 - you need to see a therapist or take a break from the sport. Terrible attitude. This is what represents the women’s tennis tour? Yikes!DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- Love Halep’s post! Very pointed yet simple.DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- He’s such a hypocritical douche! I remember when Sinner was out for three months on his ban and Kyrgios made such disparaging comments towards him and how awful he was. He’s such a mess of a human being.DaveyWavey19-08-2026
- Help me understand this. Nick tests positive for cocaine and gets suspended but Marketa gets banned for four years?Rapunzel19-08-2026
Loading
