Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz Feel Disappointed as They Are Told the Tournament Has Been Postponed, with a Major Statement Released
Saudi Arabian chief Turki Al Alshikh has confirmed that the Six Kings Slam has been postponed ‘due to logistical reasons’ at very short notice. The tournament was slated to include Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur and Learner Tien in an exhibition-style event, with £1.14million awarded to each competitor in Riyadh. There had been uncertainty that the competition, originally scheduled for October 21-24, would go ahead as a result of unrest in the Middle East and the recent bombing of an international airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital.
As many as 13 people were killed and over 300 injured following an attack on the King Khalid International Airport.
Several sporting events have been cancelled or postponed in the region in recent months, with governments advising foreign tourists against travelling to Riyadh.
Tennis has followed suit, pushing back the highly lucrative event, which was set to be shown live on Netflix, to the end of the year.
Al Alshikh confirmed the news on social media, writing: “Riyadh Season has announced the postponement of the third edition of the international ‘Six Kings Slam’ tennis tournament, originally scheduled for October 21, 22 and 24, to December 27-30, 2026.
“The decision reflects Riyadh Season’s commitment to delivering sporting events to the highest standards, following an assessment of the organisational and logistical challenges associated with hosting the tournament and their potential impact on the quality of the audience experience.”
Last year’s champion, Jannik Sinner, had originally been set to compete before shutting down his entire season due to injury.
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick advised players not to “go near” competing in Saudi Arabia over the next few weeks
It sucks that the world is in this position, and that we’re having to deal with the consequences of what’s been happening,” Roddick said on his Served podcast.
“If I was in this thing, I wouldn’t even go near it. I know they’re getting a lot of money, [but] I just wouldn’t do it. I’m not sure what the upside is to playing in an exhibition. It’s not a Slam.
“It’s not this thing that’s going to be life-changing for any of the people involved in it. I absolutely, 1000% would not be going. For an inflated payday? The offset wouldn’t even be close to worth it.”
