For the second year in a row, six of the world’s best men’s tennis players will travel to Riyadh in the middle of a gruelling season to compete in the highly lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition. While debate continues over whether such exhibitions should be allowed during the professional tennis season, the Six Kings Slam has attracted plenty of interest from tennis fans keen to see the world’s best pitted against each other.
Venue and Surface
The tournament will take place on an indoor hard court, known for its fast-paced conditions that reward attacking tennis. Last year’s inaugural edition was won by Jannik Sinner, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a tight three-set final, 6–7 6–3 6–3.
The event is staged at the ANB Arena, formerly known as The Venue. The event held at this 8,000-seat facility forms part of Saudi Arabia’s annual Riyadh Season, a months-long celebration featuring major sporting events and concerts across the capital.
Star-Studded Line-Up
Living up to its name, the Six Kings Slam will once again boast a glittering field that includes the world’s top five players. Fans in Riyadh will witness Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Novak Djokovic headline the 2025 edition.
The sixth spot was originally handed to Jack Draper, but the British star’s season-ending arm injury forced him to withdraw from the event. In his place, Stefanos Tsitsipas, the current world #24, steps in as an unexpected replacement but one with plenty of pedigree having once been ranked as high as world #3.
Tournament Draw and Format
The Six Kings Slam follows a compact four-day schedule, with the third day designated as a rest day, in accordance with ATP regulations that prohibit players from competing on three consecutive days in an exhibition event.
Day 1 (Wednesday, October 15): Quarterfinals
Alexander Zverev vs Taylor Fritz
Jannik Sinner vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Day 2 (Thursday, October 16): Semifinals
Carlos Alcaraz vs the Winner of Zverev/Fritz
Novak Djokovic vs the Winner of Sinner/Tsitsipas
Day 3 (Friday, October 17): Day Off
Day 4 (Saturday, October 18): Finals and Third-Place Match
The two semifinal winners will contest the final to determine the 2025 champion, while the losing semifinalists will face off for third place.
Prize Money and Ranking Points
Each participant is guaranteed a $1.5 million appearance fee, ensuring that every player is handsomely rewarded. The eventual champion will earn an additional $4.5 million. The total $6 million payout will match last year’s record as the highest winner’s purse ever offered in the sport.
While the financial stakes are enormous and certainly add competitive fire to the exhibition, the tournament remains unsanctioned by the ATP and therefore offers no official ranking points.
Where to Watch the Six Kings Slam 2025
This year, the event moves from DAZN to Netflix. The streaming giant will air all matches in its latest push into live sports coverage.
Final Word
The Six Kings Slam is undeniably a spectacle and has proven popular with many tennis fans. However, with players, who often decry the packed schedule, seemingly willing to put those concerns aside for a payday, the event inevitably attracts criticism whilst the accusations of sportswashing are unlikely to go away either.
Main photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
