When Carlos Alcaraz, world No. 1 stepped onto the court at the Six Kings Slam 2025, the buzz in Riyadh was electric. Hosted at the Kingdom Arena from October 15‑18, the exhibition promised a staggering $13.5 million prize pool – the biggest in tennis history. A guaranteed $1.5 million appearance fee for each of the six stars meant even a first‑round loss paid more than many Grand Slam runs. The real drama? A $4.5 million winner’s bonus that could lift the champion’s total earnings to $6 million.
Who’s Playing and How the Money Stacks Up
The roster reads like a who’s‑who of modern men’s tennis. Besides Alcaraz, the field includes Jannik Sinner (world No. 2), Novak Djokovic (world No. 5), Taylor Fritz (world No. 4), Alexander Zverev (world No. 3) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (world No. 25). Each player pockets $1.5 million just for showing up, but the champion walks away with an extra $4.5 million – a sum that dwarfs the $2.6 million awarded to the Wimbledon men’s champion in 2025.
- Total prize pool: $13,500,000
- Appearance fee per player: $1,500,000
- Champion’s total earnings: $6,000,000
- Broadcast partner: Netflix
- Organizer: Saudi Tennis Federation
Even Zverev’s brief 59‑minute loss to Fritz earned him roughly $250,000 – about $25,000 per minute, according to the figures released on October 15. That’s more than the German earned for finishing runner‑up at the Australian Open earlier in the year.
Day‑by‑Day Breakdown
Quarterfinals – Wednesday, Oct 15
Sinner cruised past Tsitsipas 6‑2, 6‑3 in just 52 minutes, exploiting the Greek player’s one‑handed backhand with relentless forehands. Fritz edged Zverev 6‑3, 6‑4 in 59 minutes; Zverev appeared to nurse a shoulder niggle that hampered his serve.
Semifinals – Thursday, Oct 16
The semifinals pit Sinner against Djokovic and Fritz against Alcaraz. Both Alcaraz and Djokovic received first‑round byes, a perk for their rankings and fan draw. The matches will be streamed live on Netflix, with a global audience expected to top ten million viewers.
Final – Saturday, Oct 18
The championship showdown will decide who walks away with the $4.5 million winner’s bonus. A victory here not only means a massive payday but also solidifies the player’s status as the most lucrative champion in tennis history.
Why This Matters (Beyond the Money)
The Six Kings Slam isn’t an ATP or Grand Slam tournament – it’s an exhibition, meaning no ranking points are at stake. Yet the financial stakes have sparked a debate about the future of the sport’s compensation model. Traditional events like the US Open award $3.15 million to the men’s champion, less than half of what this exhibition offers.
“It’s a game changer,” said Jannik Sinner in a post‑match interview. “Players are starting to see that the market can sustain these kinds of payouts, even without points.”
Critics argue that such lavish sums could widen the gap between the elite and lower‑ranked players, who still chase modest prize money on the regular tour. Supporters, meanwhile, point to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy through sports tourism, using high‑profile events to attract global attention.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Saudi Tennis Federation spokesman Ahmed Al‑Fahad said the tournament “showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a premier sports destination.”
Novak Djokovic noted, “The money is incredible, but the atmosphere here in Riyadh feels different. Fans are hungry for world‑class tennis.”
Meanwhile, tennis purists worry that exhibitions could erode the prestige of the Grand Slams. Former ATP board member Larry Scott warned, “If we keep inflating prize money outside the official calendar, we may see players cherry‑picking events based on cash, not competition.”
Looking Ahead
The Six Kings Slam’s success could inspire similar high‑payoff exhibitions in other sports. Already, the 2024 edition featured Rafael Nadal in what many called a “farewell tour” stop, and the 2025 lineup replaces Nadal with Zverev – a signal that the event is evolving.
Should the final produce a new champion, that player will have a headline‑grabbing $6 million payday and a fresh bargaining chip for future contracts with sponsors and leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Six Kings Slam affect player earnings compared to Grand Slams?
The champion’s $6 million total eclipses the $3.15 million awarded to the 2025 US Open men’s winner, effectively doubling the top prize and providing a lucrative alternative for elite players.
Who can watch the tournament live?
All matches are streamed globally on Netflix, with no regional blackout. A subscription is required, but no extra pay‑per‑view fee applies.
Why is the event called the Six Kings Slam?
The name highlights the six top‑ranked male players invited to compete, each considered a “king” of the sport in his own right, and the “slam” nods to the prestige of a Grand Slam while emphasizing the event’s exhibition nature.
What is Vision 2030’s role in the tournament?
Vision 2030 aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil. Hosting high‑profile sports like the Six Kings Slam draws international tourists, showcases modern infrastructure, and positions the kingdom as a global entertainment hub.
Will the matches count toward player rankings?
No. The Six Kings Slam is an exhibition, so the results do not award ATP ranking points and do not affect official head‑to‑head records.