Move over Rafa, take a seat Novak - there is a new batch of hot tennis stars taking the reins.
The crowd at Riyadh Season was rocked by the outcome at the semi-finals of the 6 Kings Slam tennis tournament being held in the Saudi capital city last night.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz knocked fellow Spaniard and tennis icon Rafael Nadal out of the exciting Riyadh Season tennis competition, and Jannick Sinner's performance ensured that the legendary Novak Djokovic didn't make it to the finals.
Alcaraz took on the formidable Nadal, and beat him in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. Earlier this summer the Spaniards represented Spain at the summer Olympic Games in Paris as a duo for the men's tennis doubles event.
In just a matter of days, Italy's number 1 tennis star Sinner, has now officially beaten the legendary Novak Djokovic twice. Following a fantastic win just last week at the Shanghai Masters, Sinner secured himself a place in the 6 Kings Slam final last night. Following a series of three impressive sets and after consistent play from twenty-three year old, Sinner beat Djokovic in 6-2, 6-7 (0), 6-4.
Is this the end of an era?
The 6 Kings Slam has offered fans a historic opportunity to witness tennis legends compete, for what could be their last time before retirement. The event could be considered a semi farewell event, marking the end of the tennis era that has lasted over two decades, as the 'old guard' faces off against a rising generation of talented players.
Tennis legend Roger Federer retired in 2022, and in case you missed the news, Spaniard Rafael Nadal announced that the end of 2024 would also mark his final farewell to professional tennis. With two out of the Big Three settling into a slower pace, rumours have started swirling that perhaps Novak Djokovic could be close to the end too (although nothing has been announced or confirmed).
This week we toyed with the idea that the 6 Kings Slam could be a last hurrah for 'King of the Clay,' Rafael Nadal, although the tennis circuit regular has yet to confirm an exact date on which he will put down the raquet for good.
A Smashing Event
The 6 Kings Slam draws to a close, with the Final Match set to take place on Saturday October 19. During this final, Italy's Jannik Sinner will take on Spain's Carlos Alcaraz and the winner will be crowned the King of the 6 Kings Slam.
According to Riyadh Season partner DAZN, the 6 Kings Slam is described in sporting circles as "an exclusive exhibition tournament featuring the sport's best players from the ATP Tour," although is not an ATP sanctioned tennis event. Despite this, the event organisers of the 6 Kings Slam has followed ATP playing guidelines, including a day of rest between games.
Given that the 6 Kings Slam is not an ATP event, players do not earn ATP points or risk drop in ranking for taking part in the Riyadh Season tennis event. In lieu of this, players are offered monetary compensation for their participation in the event, with the winner taking home a larger prize pot and the glory of being the King of the 6 Kings Slam exhibition.
Riyadh Season: The 6 Kings Slam, from October 16 to 19,
Ticket prices from SAR150,
The Venue, Riyadh
webook.com
@riyadhseason
