The lucrative exhibition tournament runs from October 21 to October 24 at the ANB Arena, featuring a $7.5 million prize pool with $1.5 million guaranteed for each participant and $6 million reserved for the champion.
Who Qualifies for the Semifinals Automatically?
The tournament format grants automatic quarterfinal byes to the players with the highest number of Grand Slam titles, a structure mirroring previous editions. This exemption spares the pair from playing on the opening day of competition.
On the opposite side of the draw, Novak Djokovic will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Jannik Sinner and Alex de Miñaur. Meanwhile, Alcaraz waits in the penultimate round for either Alexander Zverev or Taylor Fritz. The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, followed by a rest day on Friday, October 23, before the third-place playoff and final on Saturday, October 24.
What Are the Financial Stakes at the ANB Arena?
The event offers the largest financial payout in professional tennis. Every invited player receives $1.5 million strictly for showing up, while the winner claims an additional $4.5 million to total $6 million for the tournament victory. Relevo Deportes noted that this $6 million winner’s check exceeds the prize money awarded to the champion of any official ATP circuit stop or Grand Slam tournament. Jannik Sinner earned the maximum paycheck in both the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Riyadh exhibition, defeating Alcaraz in both finals.
Tickets for the event are distributed through official platforms including WeBook and the Riyadh Season portal, with secondary resale markets like GrintaHub offering initial listings starting around 200 SAR, equivalent to approximately $53 USD, depending on session demand. Matches begin at 7:30 p.m. local time in Riyadh, corresponding to 6:30 p.m. in mainland Spain.
How Does Fitness Impact the Rivalries in Riyadh?
Physical condition remains a talking point for the elite field heading into the October window. Eurosport reported that Jannik Sinner faced ongoing concerns over his right knee, an issue that forced the world number one to skip his title defense at the ATP 500 in Beijing. Sinner’s absence from tour events raised the possibility of Alexander Zverev challenging him for the top spot in the ATP rankings.
Carlos Alcaraz previously dealt with injury setbacks during the autumn calendar, having arrived at the Riyadh exhibition in 2025 following a withdrawal at the Shanghai Masters due to a left ankle sprain. The presence of players like Alex de Miñaur—who replaces Stefanos Tsitsipas from the 2025 player list—alongside Zverev and Fritz rounds out an invitation-only lineup designed to gather six of the sport’s top competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Six Kings Slam played?
The tournament takes place indoors at the climate-controlled ANB Arena, located in the Hittin district of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, adjacent to the Kingdom Arena.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2025/10/18/image-e51b9ec0-39bd-4f17-8c97-c5d5c535a008-85-2560-1440.jpeg "Photo: Eurosport")
What are the exact tournament dates for 2026?
Competition begins with the quarterfinals on October 21, 2026, continues with the semifinals on October 22, observes a rest day on October 23, and concludes with the third-place match and final on October 24.
How many players participate in the event?
Six players compete in the exhibition under a single-elimination bracket, consisting of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Miñaur.
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