Imagine earning a staggering $1.5 million for just showing up, only to be knocked out in under an hour—sounds absurd, right? That’s exactly what happened to Alexander Zverev at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, where the tennis world witnessed a mix of jaw-dropping payouts and underwhelming performances. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this event a celebration of tennis or a cash grab that undermines the sport’s integrity? Let’s dive in.
The tournament kicked off with Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz dominating their matches, securing spots in the semi-finals. Sinner delivered a masterclass, dismantling Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, setting up a highly anticipated clash with Novak Djokovic. Meanwhile, Fritz dispatched Zverev in a mere 59 minutes, earning a date with Carlos Alcaraz. And this is the part most people miss: Zverev pocketed a reported $1.5 million for his single appearance, which translates to roughly $25,000 per minute on the court—more than his runner-up prize at the Australian Open earlier this year. The winner of this three-day event will take home an additional $4.5 million, making it the richest prize fund in tennis this season.
Zverev’s performance was nothing short of disappointing. Struggling with a right shoulder injury, the World No. 3 lacked power and precision, serving at speeds 20 km/h slower than his season average. Fritz, who now holds a seven-match winning streak against Zverev, cruised to a 6-4, 6-3 victory without breaking a sweat. But here’s the kicker: This match won’t even count toward their official head-to-head record, leaving fans to wonder if such exhibitions truly matter.
On the other side of the draw, Sinner’s return to action was nothing short of spectacular. After retiring from the Shanghai Masters due to injury, he stormed back with a 5-0 lead against Tsitsipas, relentlessly targeting the Greek’s one-handed backhand. Despite Tsitsipas’s efforts to keep the score respectable, Sinner’s 6-2, 6-3 win was a statement of intent. Sinner later reflected on their evolving rivalry, noting, ‘We know each other’s game better now, and I focused on staying aggressive, especially on returns.’
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Sinner now aims for his seventh consecutive win against Djokovic, including their Six Kings Slam semi-final last year. Having already beaten the 24-time Grand Slam champion twice this season—at the French Open and Wimbledon—Sinner is brimming with confidence. ‘It’s an honor to play a legend like Novak,’ he said. ‘He’s still competing at the highest level and remains a role model for all of us.’
However, Sinner didn’t hold back when discussing the Riyadh court’s unusual surface. ‘It’s very bouncy with new balls but slows down with used ones—it’s an interesting challenge,’ he noted. This inconsistency adds another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes event.
So, what’s your take? Is the Six Kings Slam a thrilling showcase of tennis talent or a questionable spectacle fueled by big money? Does Zverev’s quick exit devalue the tournament, or is it just part of the exhibition’s unpredictable nature? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
