Alcaraz – Foto: X.com/ Netflix
Carlos Alcaraz, world number 1, defeated Taylor Fritz 2-0 in sets, with scores of 6/4 and 6/2, on Thursday (16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Spaniard advanced to the final of the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition tournament with record prizes. The match lasted about 70 minutes, and Alcaraz showed precision in his shots.
The opponent in the final will be the winner of the semifinal between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, scheduled for the same day. The event distributes $13.5 million in prizes, with the champion receiving $6 million. Alcaraz, who had a bye straight to the semifinals, seeks the title in his second participation in the tournament.
The Six Kings Slam brings together six top players in a quick format, without ATP ranking points. Alcaraz returns to the court after an ankle injury in Shanghai but demonstrated full recovery.
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) October 16, 2025
Alcaraz’s performance on court
Alcaraz converted three service breaks against Fritz, capitalizing on the American’s unforced errors. The Spaniard hit 85% of first serves and varied well between forehand and backhand. Fritz, fourth in the ranking, fought in the first set but yielded in the second.
The win marks Alcaraz’s fifth victory over Fritz in six recent duels. The Spaniard praised the tournament’s intensity, despite it being an exhibition.
Record prize money attracts stars
The Six Kings Slam offers unprecedented amounts in tennis. Each participant guarantees $1.5 million just for attending.
- Champion: $6 million (total).
- Runner-up: $3 million.
- Semifinalists: $1.5 million additional.
These amounts surpass even the US Open, the biggest Grand Slam in prizes. The tournament, funded by a Saudi fund, moves the off-season calendar. Alcaraz downplayed the focus on money, prioritizing the game.
The event takes place at the ANB Arena, with capacity for 8,000 spectators. Global broadcasts via Netflix increase visibility.
Tournament history in Riyadh
The Six Kings Slam debuted in 2024, with Jannik Sinner as champion after beating Alcaraz in the final. This year, the format keeps six players: Alcaraz, Djokovic, Sinner, Fritz, Zverev, and Tsitsipas.
Quarterfinals saw Fritz eliminate Zverev 6/3 and 6/4 in 59 minutes. Sinner beat Tsitsipas 2-0, with scores of 6/4 and 7/5. Djokovic and Alcaraz had initial byes.
The second edition coincides with smaller ATPs in Brussels, Almaty, and Stockholm. Zverev, despite the early loss, took $1.5 million for participation.
Sinner vs Djokovic matchup
Jannik Sinner, second in the ranking, leads Djokovic 6-4 in head-to-head. The Italian won the last six matches, including French Open and Wimbledon 2025.
Djokovic, 38, reached semifinals in all four Grand Slams this year but fell to Sinner in two. The Serb seeks revenge in the exhibition.
The semifinal follows Alcaraz vs Fritz, around 4 PM (Brasília time). Sinner comes from a title in Beijing, while Djokovic recovers from discomfort in Shanghai.
Both prioritize the tournament for the prize and rivalry. The final on Saturday (18) promises a generational duel in tennis.
Players and event format
The tournament uses straight sets, best of three, to speed up disputes. Alcaraz highlighted adaptation to the fast indoor hard court.
- Fixed participants: Alcaraz and Djokovic with byes.
- Quarters: Sinner vs Tsitsipas; Fritz vs Zverev.
- Semis: Alcaraz vs Fritz; Djokovic vs Sinner.
Fritz, with eight aces against Zverev, showed serve strength. Tsitsipas erred 22 times in loss to Sinner.
The event reinforces Saudi investments in sports, attracting global audience. Alcaraz, with six Grand Slams at 22, is favorite for the title.
