Sinner Stuns Alcaraz to Defend Six Kings Slam Title in Riyadh

Sinner Dominates Rival Alcaraz in Riyadh Exhibition Showdown

Jannik Sinner showcased his ruthless best in Riyadh as he cruised past Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-4 to successfully defend his title at the Six Kings Slam, a high-profile exhibition event streamed on Netflix.

The 24-year-old Italian, who lost to Alcaraz in the US Open final earlier this year, delivered a powerful performance to earn $6 million — including $4.5 million in prize money and a $1.5 million participation fee.

Sinner Strikes First, Finishes Fast

Sinner wasted no time in taking control of the match, breaking Alcaraz’s serve in the opening game and dominating with precise, aggressive hitting. He wrapped up the first set 6-2 and kept the pressure on in the second.

The decisive moment came in the seventh game of the second set when Sinner secured another break to seal the match — and the trophy.

“I wish I could play like this everywhere,” Sinner said post-match.

“We played many times this season, and Carlos beat me often. But it’s an honour to share the court with him. We’ve got a great rivalry — and more importantly, a great friendship off the court.”

Rivalry Built on Respect & Firepower

Despite the loss, Alcaraz praised Sinner, calling him “too good today” and acknowledging that their rivalry pushes him to become a better player.

“Sometimes he’s annoying — because he gives me extra motivation,” Alcaraz joked.

“We always compete at the highest level, but off the court, we have a special relationship. It proves great rivals can be great friends.”

The two young stars have now shared nine of the last 10 Grand Slam titles, and met in three consecutive major finals, highlighting one of the most exciting head-to-heads in modern tennis.

What Is the Six Kings Slam?

The Six Kings Slam is a three-day exhibition tournament featuring six of the world’s top male tennis players. Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it aims to combine world-class tennis with global entertainment.

While matches do not affect ATP rankings, the event attracts attention due to:

• Massive prize money

• High-level competition

• Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global sports, including criticism over “sportswashing” efforts

This year’s event saw Sinner defeat Novak Djokovic in the semi-final, while Alcaraz beat Taylor Fritz. Djokovic withdrew from the third-place playoff after losing the first set to Fritz.

Sinner vs. Alcaraz: The Future of Tennis

With Sinner and Alcaraz emerging as the sport’s dominant forces, tennis fans are witnessing the early stages of a rivalry that could define the decade.

As the ATP Tour resumes and the Australian Open approaches, Sinner’s Riyadh form sends a clear warning — he’s ready to fight for the world No. 1 spot again.