The Six Kings Slam is the most lucrative exhibition tennis tournament ever, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the country’s annual sporting season. Semifinal action will feature an intergenerational clash between two countrymen.
Rafael Nadal is playing in potentially his penultimate tournament before retiring. He is facing Carlos Alcaraz, who many proclaim as the successor to his throne. The other last-four showdown pits Novak Djokovic against Jannik Sinner in a rematch of the Shanghai final from just a few days ago. Will the old guard prevail, or will we get an affirmation that the new stars have taken over?
Six Kings Slam Semifinal Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic
Head-to-head: Sinner 4-4 Djokovic
Jannik Sinner picked up from where he left off as he completely dismantled Daniil Medvedev in the first quarterfinal. Sinner handed Medvedev his first bagel set in four years in less than half an hour. The Russian was well off the pace and won only three games in the second set despite his best attempt to make the score a bit more respectable.
Sinner, therefore, sets up a rematch of the Shanghai final against Novak Djokovic, whom he defeated quite convincingly last Sunday. Djokovic has already experienced what it feels like to compete on Saudi Arabian soil. He made his first trip last December and competed in an exhibition with Carlos Alcaraz. The Serbian is a late arrival to Riyadh this week. Although Djokovic has excelled in these conditions in the past, Sinner has been so good at making his opponents feel uncomfortable, even in familiar surroundings.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz
Head-to-head: Nadal 2-1 Alcaraz
It’s only fitting we get one final showdown between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. This might be Nadal’s last singles match, with the possibility that he might only be selected for doubles at the Davis Cup Finals in his farewell tournament. The 22-time Grand slam champion will bring the X factor to the table, but the difference in match sharpness will be stark here. Alcaraz has been prolific this year, winning over 40 matches and lifting four titles. The 21-year-old’s youthful energy and extraordinary athleticism will give him a significant edge here.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
