The Six Kings Slam is approaching amid heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia after Houthi-claimed attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed three Saudi citizens and injured several others.
With Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev among the stars scheduled to compete later this month, the incidents have raised questions about the conditions surrounding one of the kingdom's most high-profile sporting events.
The attacks took place on Thursday, October 8, damaging airport facilities and a Saudia aircraft. The Houthis, an Iran-aligned armed group based in Yemen, claimed responsibility as the conflict involving Saudi Arabia escalated. The incident also disrupted air travel, with several airlines suspending or cancelling services to Riyadh.
The Six Kings Slam is scheduled for October 21, 22 and 24 at Riyadh's ANB Arena. The three-day exhibition has become a prominent part of Riyadh Season's sports programme, bringing together six leading players for a knockout competition broadcast globally on Netflix.
As of October 9, no announcement had been made about postponing or cancelling the event. However, the attacks have introduced a security and travel consideration for players, their teams, organisers and international spectators arriving in the Saudi capital.
Security concerns surround the Riyadh exhibition
The airport attacks come as Saudi Arabia faces a wider escalation in hostilities involving the Houthis. The damage to aviation infrastructure and subsequent flight disruption have raised concerns beyond the immediate area of the attacks, although the extent to which these developments could affect the tennis exhibition remains unclear.
The Six Kings Slam is a short, high-profile event rather than a conventional tour tournament, but its international field requires players, coaches, broadcast crews and spectators to travel to Riyadh. Any prolonged disruption to flights or further deterioration in the security situation could complicate preparations.
For now, the tournament remains on the calendar. Whether organisers need to make any adjustments will depend on how the situation develops in the coming days and what guidance is issued by the relevant authorities.
🚨 ‼️ OJO con esto. Un bombardeo con misiles reivindicado por los hutíes de Yemen ha matado a tres saudíes en el aeropuerto de Riyadh. En menos de dos semanas se disputa allí la Six Kings Slam 2026 con Alcaraz, Djokovic y Zverev. Puede que peligre el torneo. 📸 Reuters https://t.co/yzmCi6JS5V
— José Morón (@jmgmoron) October 9, 2026
Sinner's withdrawal and De Minaur's fitness add to the uncertainty
The event has already undergone one significant change. Jannik Sinner withdrew because of a knee injury, ending his 2026 season, and American Learner Tien was named as his replacement. The field now includes Alcaraz, Djokovic, Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur and Tien
De Minaur's availability is another issue to monitor after the Australian retired from the China Open final in Beijing with an adductor injury. He was due to undergo scans in Shanghai to assess the problem, although no withdrawal from the Six Kings Slam had been announced.
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The quarterfinals are scheduled for October 21, the semifinals for October 22, and the final and third-place match for October 24. With less than two weeks remaining before the opening matches, organisers will be monitoring developments in Riyadh closely.
For now, the attacks have raised legitimate questions about the event's operating environment, but they do not by themselves confirm that the tournament is in danger of cancellation. The key issue is whether the security situation and international travel conditions remain stable enough for the Six Kings Slam to proceed as planned.
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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