Jannik Sinner showcased exceptional skill in defeating Carlos Alcaraz to secure his second consecutive victory at the Six Kings Slam held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The match saw Sinner triumph over Alcaraz with a swift 6-2, 6-4 scoreline in a mere 73 minutes, earning him a record-breaking prize of $6 million, the largest in the tennis season.
Although the Six Kings Slam is an exhibition event and does not impact ATP rankings or head-to-head records, Sinner was motivated to prove himself following a significant loss to Alcaraz in the US Open final last month. Despite only defeating the world No. 1 once in their last eight official encounters, Sinner’s improved serve was pivotal in his commanding performance in Riyadh, sending a clear message to his rival.
Alcaraz acknowledged feeling pressured during the match as Sinner’s strong serves kept him on the defensive. Winning 80% of his service points and not facing any break points, Sinner’s refined service game demonstrated the progress he had made since their previous meeting.
Reflecting on his adjustments post the US Open final, Sinner noted the enhancements he made to his game that paid dividends in Riyadh, especially benefiting from the city’s high altitude. Following his victory, Sinner reminisced about his losses to Alcaraz in grand slam finals, highlighting their strong friendship off the court.
The Six Kings Slam, featuring six top players over three days, offered each participant a $1.5 million appearance fee, with the champion receiving an additional $4.5 million. Sinner’s $6 million prize money sets a new record, surpassing Alcaraz’s earnings from winning the US Open, establishing the Saudi exhibition as the most lucrative event of the season.