Six Kings Slam: Full Lineup, Schedule, Prize Money, and How to Watch the Tennis Spectacle in Riyadh
What is the Six Kings Slam?
The Six Kings Slam is one of tennis’s most glamorous exhibition tournaments, returning to Saudi Arabia this week as part of the country’s annual Riyadh Season. The four-day event gathers six of the world’s top men’s players for a high-stakes showdown that blends star power, entertainment, and serious cash rewards.
The 2025 edition runs from October 15 to 18 at The Venue, an 8,000-capacity arena in Riyadh, and will be streamed live on Netflix for fans worldwide. Unlike ATP-sanctioned events, the Six Kings Slam doesn’t offer ranking points — it’s about prestige, spectacle, and an enormous payday.
Who’s Playing at the Six Kings Slam 2025?
This year’s field is packed with tennis royalty. Five of the world’s top ten players are confirmed to compete:
- Carlos Alcaraz – 2025 US Open champion
- Jannik Sinner – defending Six Kings Slam champion and Wimbledon winner
- Novak Djokovic – 24-time Grand Slam winner
- Alexander Zverev – World No. 3
- Taylor Fritz – World No. 4
- Stefanos Tsitsipas – replacing Britain’s Jack Draper, who withdrew due to injury
Sinner will aim to defend the title he won last year, when he defeated Alcaraz in the 2024 final.
Format and Schedule
The Six Kings Slam begins at the quarter-final stage, with matches played in a best-of-three sets format.
Wednesday, October 15 – Quarter-finals
- Jannik Sinner vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Alexander Zverev vs. Taylor Fritz
Thursday, October 16 – Semi-finals
- Carlos Alcaraz vs. Taylor Fritz
- Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner
Friday, October 17 – Rest Day
- Players take a break due to ATP’s exhibition rules prohibiting three consecutive playing days.
Saturday, October 18 – Final
- Winners of the semi-finals meet for the title and the multi-million-dollar prize.
Prize Money: Record-Breaking Payouts
Money is a big part of what makes the Six Kings Slam stand out. According to reports, players are earning seven-figure appearance fees, with the winner expected to receive up to $6 million (£4.5m) — surpassing the US Open’s $5 million top prize.
While the total prize pool hasn’t been officially confirmed, SportsLigue estimates it could reach $4.5 million (£3.4m), not including appearance bonuses.
For context, here’s how it compares to Grand Slam earnings:
- US Open – $5 million
- Australian Open – £3.5 million
- Wimbledon – £3 million
- French Open – £2.2 million
Why Top Players Compete in Exhibitions
Exhibitions like the Six Kings Slam give players a chance to perform without the pressure of ATP ranking points. They’re designed to promote tennis globally and reach new audiences, especially in emerging sports markets like Saudi Arabia.
These events often feature lighter atmospheres, flashier setups, and crowd-pleasing rallies, focusing on entertainment as much as competition.
In 2020, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played a sold-out exhibition in Cape Town, drawing a record crowd of over 51,000 fans. Similarly, Carlos Alcaraz has become one of the most active exhibition players, competing in showcase events from New York to Puerto Rico.
His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, says the relaxed nature of exhibitions helps Alcaraz “enjoy the sport again” after the intensity of the ATP Tour.
How to Watch the Six Kings Slam 2025
The Six Kings Slam 2025 will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, marking a major step in the platform’s growing interest in live sports. Matches begin at 4:30 p.m. UK time each day.
Fans in Saudi Arabia can attend in person at The Venue in Riyadh, part of the massive Riyadh Season entertainment calendar that includes concerts, sporting events, and cultural showcases.
Final Word
The Six Kings Slam 2025 is more than just an exhibition — it’s a statement about where tennis is heading. With record-breaking prize money, elite players, and global streaming, the event shows how sport and entertainment are blending into one massive spectacle.
Whether Sinner defends his title or Alcaraz claims revenge, fans are in for a dazzling weekend of tennis in Riyadh.
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