Sinner Overcomes World No. 2 Alcaraz to Claim “The Six Kings Slam” Title in Riyadh

HE Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority "GEA", crowned world No. 1 Jannik Sinner as the champion of “The Six Kings Slam,” part of the Riyadh Season events. Sinner defeated world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in three sets, winning 6-7 "5", 6-3, 6-3, to secure the prestigious title.

The thrilling final, filled with excitement and intensity, captivated millions of tennis fans worldwide. Alcaraz faltered unexpectedly in the final game, finishing the match without points and leaving the tournament empty-handed. Sinner claimed the tournament’s most valuable title in tennis history.

The two stars concluded the three-day tournament, held at The Venue in Riyadh, with heartfelt remarks reflecting their strong friendship and growing rivalry.

Alcaraz shared: “I enjoyed every moment here. This court in Riyadh feels like home to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to explore the city due to the busy schedule, but I will certainly return to get to know Riyadh better. It has been an incredible experience, and I’m honored to be here.”

On his rivalry with Sinner, Alcaraz added: “Every match with him is special. He always pushes me to give my best. I try every day to find new ways to beat him, and we help each other reach our full potential. I hope this rivalry continues for a long time.” He concluded by thanking HE Turki Alalshikh for organizing this exceptional tournament.

Sinner also expressed his gratitude: “I’d like to thank everyone for organizing such a wonderful event. This was my first time in Riyadh, and it has been a fantastic experience. I hope to come back. We came here to showcase the essence of this sport and gave our best on the court.”

Regarding his relationship with Alcaraz, Sinner remarked: “We are good friends, traveling together often and sharing moments both on and off the court. Although we are fierce rivals, we always try to enjoy the matches we play. I hope this rivalry continues for as long as possible, even with many other players entering the scene, making the future of tennis exciting.

In the third-place match, Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets  "6-2, 7-6" .Djokovic dominated the first set, but Nadal mounted a fierce comeback in the second, rekindling the competitive spirit that defined their 18-year rivalry. Despite his efforts ،Nadal couldn’t change the outcome, concluding what may be their final encounter.

The two legends have faced each other 60 times throughout their careers, with Djokovic winning their last match at the Paris Olympics in July. In Riyadh, Djokovic repeated the same result in their 61st encounter, bringing a fitting conclusion to their storied rivalry.

In an emotional statement, Djokovic said: “It has been an incredible experience. Thank you for hosting us here in Riyadh so many times. In less than a year, I’ve visited Riyadh twice and played in front of one of the most passionate crowds. Thank you for coming in large numbers and for your continued support. It has been a real pleasure to share the court with Rafa throughout these years. This is a deeply emotional moment for me.”

He added: “We’ve had an amazing rivalry filled with challenges, and you’ve always pushed me beyond my limits. I’m grateful for that because, without this rivalry, I wouldn’t have reached the level I’m at today. I hope we can stay connected after your retirement and talk about life beyond tennis.”

Djokovic continued: “I want to congratulate you, your team, and your family on this remarkable journey. I understand the sacrifices families make to support a professional athlete, and I can imagine the highs and lows they’ve experienced with you. This success is as much theirs as it is yours. You’ve left an incredible legacy in tennis, and we all appreciate everything you’ve given. Thank you for everything.”

Nadal, in turn, responded with heartfelt words: “I thank Novak and his team for all the moments we shared on the court during our long careers. It has been an incredible rivalry, and you’ve always pushed me to give my best. Thank you for those years—they helped shape me into the player I am today.”

When asked what he would miss the most, Nadal replied: “I’m not sure—maybe everything. My career has been a dream come true. For 20 years, I competed in the best tournaments on the greatest courts, fulfilling a childhood dream. In the end, I achieved my goal of becoming a successful professional tennis player. I can’t thank enough everyone who showed me love and support throughout this journey.”

As a gesture of appreciation for Nadal’s illustrious career, HE Turki Alalshikh presented the Spanish legend with a special gift from Riyadh Season—a gold-plated tennis racket—honoring his nearly two-decade career, during which he gained immense popularity in the tennis world.