Jannik Sinner will face rival Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the big-money Six Kings Slam exhibition after winning his latest meeting with Novak Djokovic to extend his winning run against the 24-time grand slam champion.
With Sinner winning his last six matches against Djokovic, including in the French Open and Wimbledon semi-finals this season, the Italian produced another dominant performance. “Excuse my language, but it's never nice when somebody kicks your ass like this on the court,” Djokovic said after Sinner cruised to an emphatic 6-4 6-2 victory.
Earlier, Alcaraz made his first appearance since withdrawing from the Shanghai Masters due to an ankle injury, with the World No 1 also finding sensational form as he defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 behind a stunning array of shots.
The six-player event is taking place across three days in Riyadh with every player earning a $1.5m appearance fee and a massive $4.5m going to the overall winner.
Every match is streamed live on Netflix and last year’s final saw Sinner beat Alcaraz to become the inaugural Six Kings Slam champion, so the Italian will be keen to retain his crown in Riyadh on Saturday.
Follow coverage of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh with our live blog below:
Six Kings Slam semi-finals - live updates
- The Six Kings Slam, tennis's biggest-money exhibition event, continues in Saudi Arabia | Live on Netflix
- Ruthless Jannik Sinner thrashes Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-2 in semi-finals
- Carlos Alcaraz defeats Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 to advance to Saturday's final
- Sinner and Alcaraz to face off in Saturday's final, following third-place match
- Djokovic sums up latest defeat to Sinner: ‘He kicked my ass’
Jannik Sinner on his victory over Novak Djokovic
08:00 , Jamie Braidwood“You know, I think he said everything, no. He's such a great role model for especially us, the younger generation. Seeing him competing, seeing him practice and training for these moments.
“It’s amazing. What he has achieved in his career, it's incredible and you know I see him as a real idol. To play against him is such a huge honor and and privilege.
“So, obviously, you know, I'm happy about today, but I'm also happy to see him around.”
How the Six Kings Slam prize money compares to grand slam tournaments
07:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Six Kings Slam champion will win a reported $6m (£4.5m) in prize money this week. That makes the exhibition the biggest prize in tennis, and above the four grand slams. Carlos Alcaraz recently took home $5m by winning the US Open, but the Six Kings Slam champion will take home more.
Six Kings Slam: $6m (£4.5m)
US Open: $5m (£3.74m)
Wimbledon: $4m (£3m)
French Open: $2.9m (£2.17m)
Australian Open: $2.3m (£1.75m)
Carlos Alcaraz admits ankle injury is not '100 per cent'
06:00 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz has admitted his ankle is still not “100 per cent”.
The 22-year-old skipped the Shanghai Masters because of the ankle injury he picked up in his opening match in Tokyo.
“Everything’s OK. I’ve been recovering the ankle as much and as good as I can,” Alcaraz told PA before the Six Kings Slam, admitting it hasn’t fully healed.
“I don’t feel, I would say, 100 per cent, the doubts are there thinking about it a little bit when I’m moving on court.
“But I think it improved a lot and I’m going to compete and perform well here in the Six Kings Slam.”
That said, Alcaraz looked pretty great in his 6-4 6-2 victory over Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals.
Djokovic on Sinner's performance: 'He was a runaway train'
05:00 , Jamie Braidwood“I'm sorry you couldn't see a longer match today, it's his fault, not my fault!” Djokovic laughed.
“I tried to intimidate him a little bit at that last game with the last 15 points, but it didn't work.
“Look, it felt like a runaway train, you know, he was smacking the ball from all corners.
“I was just trying to, trying to hang in there, but he was just too good, so well done to him and good luck in the finals.”
Novak Djokovic has no plans to retire and wants to play at 40
03:00 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic has no plans to retire from tennis with the 24-times grand slam winner citing NBA great LeBron James, former NFL player Tom Brady and veteran footballer Cristiano Ronaldo as his inspiration to keep playing.
"Longevity is one of my biggest motivations. I really want to see how far I can go," Djokovic said at the Joy Forum in Riyadh.
"If you see across all the global sports, LeBron James, he's still going strong, he's 40, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady played till he was 40-something years old.
"I mean, it's unbelievable. They're inspiring me as well. So I want to keep going and that's one of the motivations I have."
Why the Six Kings Slam will be taking a day off on Friday
01:00 , Jamie BraidwoodSince the Six Kings Slam is an exhibition, the event is not allowed to have matches on three consecutive days. There is therefore no play scheduled on Friday and the final will be played on Saturday.
Tsitsipas tips Alcaraz and Sinner to land double figures in grand slams
Friday 17 October 2025 23:55 , Jack Rathborn“I will not comment on that (how many Grand Slams Alcaraz and Sinner will win) because I’m not good at forecasting,” Tsitsipas said.
“I will just say that we will see Carlos and Jannik win many more Major titles. I’m pretty sure they will both collect over ten major crowns by the end of their careers.”
Jannik Sinner in a great place ahead of Six Kings Slam final
Friday 17 October 2025 22:55 , Jack RathbornJannik Sinner is feeling great after his second victory in the Six Kings Slam.
Just 24 hours until the final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Tim Henman: 'Carlos Alcaraz is first class'
Friday 17 October 2025 21:55 , Jack Rathborn“I spent some time with him at the Laver Cup and I could not have been more impressed with him not only as a player but as a person,” Henman told Tennis365.
“His attitude, his energy, his values on and off the court were absolutely first class. He has really up his level.
“You look at the way Alcaraz’s game has developed and it’s absolutely phenomenal.”
Jannik Sinner looking forward to 'great battle' with Carlos Alcaraz
Friday 17 October 2025 20:55 , Jamie BraidwoodJust over a month after the US Open final, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will meet again as they play for the $6m overall prize at the Six Kings Slam.
Sinner won the Wimbledon final against Alcaraz in July but his defeat to the Spaniard in New York was his seventh defeat against him in their last eight meetings.
But he said: “I look forward to it every time when we face each other. It’s great for us. it's gonna be a great battle. I will try to be as ready as I can, but it's obviously a huge, huge honour to play against him again.”
Jannik Sinner and IShowSpeed share their favourite parts of Saudi Arabia
Friday 17 October 2025 19:55 , Jack RathbornCarlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner official head-to-head
Friday 17 October 2025 18:55 , Jack Rathborn- 2025: US Open, final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in four sets
- 2025: Cincinnati Open, final, outdoor hard - Sinner retired
- 2025: Wimbledon, final, outdoor grass - Sinner wins in four sets
- 2025: French Open, final, outdoor clay - Alcaraz wins in five sets
- 2025: Italian Open, final, outdoor clay - Alcaraz wins in two sets
- 2024: China Open, final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in three sets
- 2024: Roland Garros, semi-final, outdoor clay - Alcaraz wins in five sets
- 2024: Indian Wells, semi-final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in three sets
- 2023: China Open, semi-final, outdoor hard - Sinner wins in two sets
- 2023: Miami Open, semi-final, outdoor hard - Sinner wins in three sets
- 2023: Indian Wells, semi-final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in two sets
- 2022: US Open, quarter-final, outdoor hard - Alcaraz wins in five sets
- 2022: Umag, final, outdoor clay - Sinner wins in three sets
- 2022: Wimbledon, round of 16, grass - Sinner wins in four sets
- 2021: Paris Masters, round of 32, indoor hard - Alcaraz wins in two sets
Six Kings Slam schedule and Alcaraz v Sinner start time
Friday 17 October 2025 17:55 , Jack RathbornSaturday October 18
From 5:30pm BST (UK time)
Third place match: Taylor Fritz vs Novak Djokovic
Not before 7:00pm BST (UK time)
Grand Final: Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner
Six Kings Slam prize money
Friday 17 October 2025 16:55 , Jack RathbornParticipation fee: $1.5m
2025 champion: $4.5m
In comparison, Carlos Alcaraz, as the US Open champion, picked up $5m for his efforts at Flushing Meadows this year.
That would mean a 20 percent raise on his earnings from the fourth slam of the year, should he defeat Jannik Sinner on Saturday.
Alcaraz considers whether tennis fans have seen the best version of himself
Friday 17 October 2025 15:55 , Jack Rathborn"Yes, what can I say? After the year that I've had, what I think is, like, I'm not in my prime,” Alcaraz said after his win over Taylor Fritz.
“That's what I was saying, there's more and a better Alcaraz to come."
Novak Djokovic 'wants to be part' of tennis's future
Friday 17 October 2025 14:55 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic is eager to be a part of his tennis’s evolving future as he explained why he wants to continue playing into his 40s.
"I want to also live to see, live meaning still keep on playing professionally, to see the change that is coming for our sport," he said at the Joy Forum in Riyadh.
"And I'm super excited about it. I feel like tennis is a sport that can be greatly, and will be greatly transformed.
"I want to be part of that change. I want to be not just part of that change, but I want to be playing when we kind of rejuvenate our sport and set the new platform that is going to go on for decades to come."
Carlos Alcaraz playing his 'best tennis' but yet to hit 'prime'
Friday 17 October 2025 13:55 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz says he is playing the best tennis of his career but doesn’t believe he has reached his “prime” yet.
The 22-year-old, who has won eight titles this season from ten finals, told Netflix: “What can I say after the year, I'm not in my prime, so I think there's more and a better Carlos to come.
“So far this is the best that I've played in my, in my career, so I can't say another thing about it. I'm just feeling the ball really well. I'm just moving really well. Everything is going in, so I think so far it's the best tennis that I've been playing.”
When is Alcaraz v Sinner final at Six Kings Slam? Schedule and how to watch
Friday 17 October 2025 12:55 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet again in the final of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. After battles in the finals of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open this season, the two best players in the world will compete for the $6m overall prize on Saturday.
When is Alcaraz v Sinner final at Six Kings Slam? Schedule and how to watch
Djokovic not planning retirement despite tough loss to Sinner
Friday 17 October 2025 12:34 , Jack Rathborn"Longevity is one of my biggest motivations. I really want to see how far I can go," Djokovic said at the Joy Forum in Riyadh.
"If you see across all the global sports, LeBron James, he's still going strong, he's 40, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady played till he was 40-something years old.
"I mean, it's unbelievable. They're inspiring me as well. So I want to keep going and that's one of the motivations I have."
Djokovic on the challenge of competing with Sinner and Alcaraz
Friday 17 October 2025 10:55 , Jack Rathborn“It’s always worth it,” Djokovic says when asked about the pain and sacrifice to challenge Alcaraz and Sinner.
“The love for the game and the passion for tennis is there. Excuse my language but it’s never nice when someone kicks your ass like this on the court. But it definitely is amazing that I’m still able to play at a high level. Being top 5, top 10.. it’s a good feeling. I’m trying my best.
“I have the body that I have. I’m grateful for everything God has granted me in my life. It’s been an incredible journey. There is so much to celebrate. I would like if someone could trade a younger body with me.
“Just for a year so I can try to win against these guys. That would be nice jokes aside, I still have the drive. I know it’s becoming much more difficult for me to get a win against Jannik and Carlos. I’m gonna keep on challenging them until it happens.”
Jannik Sinner hits top level in 6-4 6-2 win over Novak Djokovic
Friday 17 October 2025 10:35 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik Sinner produced a near-perfect display against Novak Djokovic, firing 27 winner to just five unforced errors, and dropping just eight points on serve throughout the match. The Italian was particularly pleased with his improvements on serve since the US Open.
“Yes, I do feel that way,” Sinner said when asked if it was one of the best serving performances.
“I wish it would be every, every time like this, but no we try to, to work on things, we try to get better as a player,” Sinner added. “You have days where certain or particular things work very well, so obviously today the serve worked really, really well. We all try to improve, so let's see.
“We worked a lot in the past month, we're serving hours and hours. But if this is the result, I'm very happy.”
Jannik Sinner on facing Carlos Alcaraz in Six Kings Slam final
Friday 17 October 2025 10:15 , Jack Rathborn“I look forward every time we face each other. It’s great for us. It’s gonna be a great battle.
“’ll try to be as ready as I can. It’s obviously a huge honor to play against him again. I’m looking forward to it. I hope you guys do also. We all hope for a great Saturday night.”
Jannik Sinner sees Novak Djokovic as 'real idol'
Friday 17 October 2025 09:55 , Jack Rathborn“No, I think he said everything. Such a great role model for the younger generation,” Sinner says on Novak Djokovic.
“Seeing him competing and practicing and training for these moments is amazing. What he has achieved in his career is incredible.
“I see him as a real idol. To play against him is a huge honor and privilege. I’m happy about today, but I’m also happy to see him in tournaments and see him around.”
Novak Djokovic won't give up trying to beat young rivals
Friday 17 October 2025 09:35 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic said Jannik Sinner and World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz were “too good” over best-of-five sets following his semi-final defeat to Alcaraz at last month’s US Open.
But Djokovic fared no better over the shorter format in Riyadh, as Sinner produced a masterclass of serving to thrash the Serbian 6-4 6-2 and set up another final against Alcaraz on Saturday.
The 38-year-old has accepted that Alcaraz and Sinner, who have won the last eight grand slam titles between them, are a level above what he can produce at the age of 38 but said that he would keep trying to find a way to beat them.
‘He kicked my a***’: Novak Djokovic sums up brutal reality after defeat to rival
‘He kicked my a***’: Novak Djokovic sums up brutal reality after defeat to Jannik Sinner
Friday 17 October 2025 08:55 , Jack RathbornNovak Djokovic admitted Jannik Sinner “kicked my arse” after a heavy defeat to the World No 2 in the semi-finals of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
Sinner had won his last six competitive matches against the 24-time grand slam champion, including straight-sets victories in the semi-finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon this season.
The 38-year-old Djokovic said Sinner and World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz were “too good” over best-of-five sets following his semi-final defeat to Alcaraz at last month’s US Open.
‘He kicked my ass’: Novak Djokovic sums up brutal reality after defeat to rival
Jannik Sinner left confused after fan runs onto Six Kings Slam court
Friday 17 October 2025 08:35 , Jack RathbornJannik Sinner was left confused after a fan rushed onto the Six Kings Slam court to request his jacket before a security guard intervened following his win against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Sinner has since advanced to the final against Carlos Alcaraz after beating Novak Djokovic in the Saudi exhibition tournament.
But as the Italian left the court in Saudi Arabia, a fan approached him, pointing at his Nike jacket in an apparent request to claim it as a souvenir.
Sinner appeared confused and reluctant to offer his top as a gift, though, and a security guard was then seen dragging the supporter away before the tennis star picked up his bag and walked off the court.
Jannik Sinner confused as fan runs onto Six Kings court to request star’s jacket
Jannik Sinner inspired by Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic
Friday 17 October 2025 08:19 , Jack Rathborn“For me it’s very important to improve,” Sinner says. “That’s for me the most important. At the end of my career I would love to say I did everything possible to achieve 100% of myself.
“Success will never change me as a person. This is also very important. You need rivalries. You need better players than you. Carlos is an all around player. An incredible talent. We saw this today on court.
“Drop shots.. he can do everything. I look up to these guys. I look up to Novak. I look up to Carlos. To have a point where I can say ‘ok it’s very important for me to improve’…’ This is exactly what motivates me.”
Sinner continues winning streak over Djokovic
Friday 17 October 2025 07:35 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic has still not beaten Sinner since the very end of the 2023 season, with the Italian winning his last eight matches against Djokovic - if you include their two semi-finals at the Six Kings Slam.
“I'm sorry you couldn't see a longer match today, it's his fault, not my fault!” Djokovic told the crowd after his straight-sets defeat to Sinner.
“I tried to intimidate him a little bit at that last game with the 0-15, but it didn't work.
“Look, it felt like a runaway train, you know, he was smacking the ball from all corners.
“I was just trying to, trying to hang in there, but he was just too good, so well done to him and good luck in the finals.”
“I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today. It’s his fault, not my fault. … It felt like a runaway train. He was smacking the ball from all corners. I was just trying to hang in there.”
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) October 16, 2025
Novak Djokovic showing love to Jannik Sinner ❤️ #SixKingsSlam pic.twitter.com/qcStnxkWXx
Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner head-to-head
Friday 17 October 2025 05:35 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner’s win in the Wimbledon final ended a run of five consecutive defeats to Alcaraz, and came just five weeks after holding five Championship points against him in the French Open final.
However, Alcaraz then produced a masterclass to beat Sinner in the US Open final, and leads their official head-to-head 10-5 after Sinner also retired from their Cincinnati Open final due to illness.
Sinner’s previous victory over Alcaraz in the Six Kings Slam does not count in the official head-to-head because it was an exhibition match.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to meet in final of Saudi tournament
Friday 17 October 2025 01:35 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Six Kings Slam finalists have been revealed after Thursday’s semi-finals.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will face each other in yet another decider after the pair easily navigated their ties in the last-four.
The top-two in the world renew acquaintances on Saturday, and organisers of the exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia will hope for another fine instalment after stellar battles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and at the US Open earlier this year.
Six Kings Slam: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to meet in final
Novak Djokovic to return for third-place match against Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 22:35 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic mentioned in his post-match interview how much he is enjoying still competing against the best in the world and he will have another match at the Six Kings Slam against Taylor Fritz in the third-place play-off.
Djokovic has an 11-0 record against Fritz, who will attempt to record his first ever victory against him - even if it won’t count on their official head-to-head. Djokovic beat Fritz in the quarter-finals of the US Open last month, in a superb performance.
Carlos Alcaraz enjoys win over Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 22:15 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz was also in brilliant form earlier today as he defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 on his return from an ankle injury. The 22-year-old said one of his main goals was to play “great shots” and the World No 1 certainly did that, going through his box of tricks with drop shots, running forehand winners, and crushing backhands down the line.
“I pulled off great, great shots today, great points,” Alcaraz said. “This was one of my main goals before coming to this match, trying to, to pull off great shots, great points for the people, trying to entertain them.
“I think that's, that's why we are here just to make the people happy. With the noise from the people, I think they like it, so I'm just really happy about it.”
Jannik Sinner satisfied with the improvements to his serve
Thursday 16 October 2025 21:55 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik Sinner lost just eight of the 45 points he played on serve today against Novak Djokovic, with the Italian firing 10 aces and recording an 81 per cent first-serve percentage.
He said after his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final that he needed to improve his game and the early results on his serve after hugely encouraging for him. “Yes, I do feel that way,” Sinner said when asked if it was one of the best serving performances.
“I wish it would be every, every time like this, but no we try to, to work on things, we try to get better as a player,” Sinner contined. “You have days where certain or particular things work very well, so obviously today the serve worked really, really well. We all try to improve, so let's see.
“We worked a lot in the past month, we're serving hours and hours. But if this is the result, I'm very happy.”
Djokovic sums up latest defeat to Sinner: ‘He kicked my ass’
Thursday 16 October 2025 21:23 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic admitted Jannik Sinner “kicked my ass” after a heavy defeat to the World No 2 in the semi-finals of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
Sinner had won his last six competitive matches against the 24-time grand slam champion, including straight-sets victories in the semi-finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon this season.
The 38-year-old Djokovic said Sinner and World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz were “too good” over best-of-five sets following his semi-final defeat to Alcaraz at last month’s US Open.
But Djokovic fared no better over the shorter format in Riyadh, as Sinner produced a masterclass of serving to thrash the Serbian 6-4 6-2 and set up another final against Alcaraz on Saturday.
‘He kicked my ass’: Novak Djokovic sums up brutal reality after defeat to rival
When is Alcaraz v Sinner final at Six Kings Slam? Schedule and how to watch
Thursday 16 October 2025 21:00 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet again in the final of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. After battles in the finals of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open this season, the two best players in the world will compete for the $6m overall prize on Saturday.
Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-2, with Alcaraz also in imposing form as he rolled through Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 in the other semi-final. Alcaraz won his last meeting with Sinner at the US Open final last month, with the Spaniard winning seven of their last eight matches.
When is Alcaraz v Sinner final at Six Kings Slam? Schedule and how to watch
'He kicked my ass but I'm trying my best': Novak Djokovic on defeat
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:40 , Jamie BraidwoodSome pretty entertaining quotes from Novak Djokovic, who has hung around to give a post-match interview despite losing to Jannik Sinner.
“It's always worth it because the love for the game and the passion for tennis is there.
“Excuse my language, but it's never nice when somebody kicks your ass like this on the court. But it’s definitely is amazing that I'm still, you know, being able to play at the high level, being top 10, top 5, it's a good good feeling.
“I'm trying my best, you know, I have the body that I have, I'm grateful for everything that the God has granted me in my life.
“It's been an incredible journey, an amazing career, there's so much to celebrate, but I would like if somebody can trade a younger body with me, that would be nice, just for a year so I can try to keep winning against these guys.
“Jokes aside, I still have the drive, obviously I know that it's it's becoming much more difficult for me to to get a win against Jannik and Carlos particularly, but you know I'm I'm gonna still keep on challenging them and until it happens, let's see.”
He will be back for the third-place match against Taylor Fritz on Saturday.
Sinner continues winning streak over Djokovic
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:38 , Jamie BraidwoodSo Djokovic has still not beaten Sinner since the very end of the 2023 season, with the Italian winning his last eight matches against Djokovic - if you include their two semi-finals at the Six Kings Slam.
“It felt like a runaway train”, Djokovic says.
Ruthless Sinner thrashes Djokovic in Six Kings Slam
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:36 , Jamie BraidwoodWith Sinner winning his last six matches against Djokovic, including in the French Open and Wimbledon semi-finals this season, the Italian produced another dominant performance to win 6-4 6-2 in the Six Kings Slam semi-finals.
Djokovic admitted that Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz were “too good” over best-of-five sets following his defeat to Alcaraz at last month’s US Open, but he fared no better over the shortened format as Sinner cruised to an emphatic victory.
Sinner’s serve looked pretty unstoppable.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-4 6-2 Novak Djokovic
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:33 , Jamie BraidwoodBut Djokovic cannot prevent the inevitable, as Sinner lands a massive serve out wide to bring up match point.
Djokovic cannot keep the next return in play. Wow, that was a statement from Sinner. He has taken Djokovic apart.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 2-5 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:31 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic throws everything he’s got into the opening point and wins a brilliant baseline exchange, returning Sinner’s power with interest and blasting a way through.
Djokovic celebrates with his biggest roar of the day.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 2-5 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:29 , Jamie BraidwoodCan Sinner really get this done right here? He sends Djokovic stretching again behind a vicious attack, but Djokovic steadies and finds an accurate second serve tow set up the winner behind his opponent.
Sinner nets on the wide return, and Djokovic does indeed force Sinner to serve it out.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 1-5 Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:27 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic gets some joy against the Sinner serve. It wasn’t the best slice from Sinner and Djokovic moves in to put away the forehand. Sinner then blasts long when taking on the drive volley!
15-40 and a chance for Djokovic to get back into it. Sinner saves the first with an incredible wide serve, sending Djokovic chasing off the court.
Sinner goes for a drop shot on the second break point, mixing it up! Djokovic gets there but Sinner is across the reply, steering the backhand up the line.
ACE from Sinner. Djokovic then nets on the backhand return. Ooof that’s a big save from 15-40 down, and perhaps that was Djokovic’s last chance.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 4-6 1-4 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:20 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic can barely believe it as Sinner guides the backhand winner down the line to bring up another break point, with the Italian controlling the rally and then finding the finishing blow.
Djokovic slumps long on the baseline rally. Wow, wow, wow this is just incredible hard-court tennis from Sinner. He moves a double-break up.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 1-3 Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:17 , Jamie BraidwoodSo good from Sinner. Djokovic had stopped on the point as he was pushed off the court but the angle Sinner produced behind the wide serve and forehand. Sinner thrashes the smash away and is barely dropping a point on serve at the moment.
Novak Djokovic 4-6 1-2 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:14 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic stops the Sinner run, with the Italian launching into a forehand that struck the net. Djokovic steadied on serve and popped over a volley after finding some accuracy out wide.
*Novak Djokovic 4-6 0-2 Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:12 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner rolls through the next service game in double-quick time. Every game is an uphill battle for Djokovic, who is trying to hang on.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 4-6 0-1 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:11 , Jamie BraidwoodA nightmare start to the opening set for Djokovic as Sinner gets the opening break! Djokovic faced pressure as soon as he found the net with a routine forehand, and Sinner jumped at the chance.
Djokovic can only hang up a lob as Sinner attacks on the backhand down the line. On break point, Sinner gets a racket on Djokovic’s serve, and the Serbian is unable to put the forehand away.
Sinner reads it right and guides the backhand in.
FIRST SET! *Novak Djokovic 4-6 Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:05 , Jamie BraidwoodA masterclass from Sinner. An ace out wide brings up set point, and he does the same thing on the other side to take the first set in 33 minutes.
That was totally imposing. Sinner served at 83% and landed nine aces. Djokovic didn’t get close to threatening a break.
Novak Djokovic 4-5 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 20:02 , Jamie BraidwoodA lovely game from Djokovic, as he leans into a couple of brilliant winners from just inside the baseline. It’s great to see Djokovic moving well and playing aggressively. The problem is just that Sinner looks to be too good, and he will serve for the first set next.
*Novak Djokovic 3-5 Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:59 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner with the new balls, looking pretty unstoppable. He flashes three aces in a row, two down the middle and last one out wide. Djokovic smiles a little. Too good from Sinner.
Novak Djokovic 3-4 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:56 , Jamie BraidwoodWonderful from Djokovic as he stretches Sinner’s defences and then opens up the angle for the forehand winner, hitting the ball behind Sinner.
Djokovic backs it up with another well constructed point, and he takes the hold as Sinner floats long on the backhand.
The arrival of Djokovic has brought the loudest cheers of the first two days of the Six Kings Slam exhibition, with some cries of “Novak, Novak”.
*Novak Djokovic 2-4 Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:53 , Jamie BraidwoodMassive striking from Sinner as he races up to the ball and whacks the forehand for a drive winner, backing up his big serve. A love-hold for the Italian, with Djokovic scrambling for answers.
Novak Djokovic 2-3 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:50 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic finds some accuracy behind his serve and holds to love. But breaking Sinner when he’s in this type of mood is a task that even Djokovic has found impossible over the past couple of years.
*Novak Djokovic 1-3 Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:47 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner is subjecting Djokovic to the full experience of the suffocating pressure he places on his opponents from the baseline. Djokovic is having to play to his limits but pulls wide on the backhand after being dragged outside the lines by Sinner’s angles.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 1-2 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:43 , Jamie BraidwoodWHAT. I think that’s the point of the exhibition. After a brilliant rally, Djokovic is somehow able to get to several smashes with Sinner, which kick up off the bouncy court. Sinner is finally able to put Djokovic away - as the Italian flashes a smile down the other end of the court.
And Sinner has started this match on fire, working himself into the court and ripping his forehand. He wins two points in a row behind massive strikes and brings up break point.
Djokovic goes for the serve-and-volley, but Sinner clocked it and drills the backhand return. Djokovic nets and Sinner gets the early advantage.
*Novak Djokovic 1-1 Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:38 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner called the court surface at the Six Kings Slam “unusual” and “interesting” after his opening win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, and a second-serve ace that skipped past Djokovic did look quite weird.
Sinner controls a magnificent overhead and thumps it past Djokovic, who applauds as the Italian takes the hold.
Novak Djokovic 1-0 Jannik Sinner*
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:34 , Jamie BraidwoodAn early signal of intent from Djokovic as he takes the ball early and blasts a forehand winner down the line.
Sinner goes long as Djokovic takes in a deep breath, and that’s an excellent start for the Serbian as he launches an ace down the middle.
*Novak Djokovic 0-0 Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:26 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic and Sinner also met at this stage of the Six Kings Slam last year, with Sinner winning on his way to lifting the title - where he also defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
He faces the same run this time. Sinner wins the toss, and elects to receive. It will be interesting to see how Djokovic holds up physically after struggling towards the end of the Shanghai Masters last week.
Novak Djokovic v Jannik Sinner
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:23 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go! It’s the latest meeting between Novak Djokovic and one of his young rivals, this time Jannik Sinner - who has won his last six matches against the 24-time grand slam champion.
Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four grand slams in 2025, but was defeated by Sinner at the French Open and Wimbledon, and Alcaraz at the US Open.
“They're just too good, playing on a really high level,” Djokovic said at the US Open.
“I think I had enough energy to battle him and to keep up with his rhythm for two sets. After that I was gassed out, and he kept going. That's kind of what I felt this year also with Jannik. Best-of-five makes it very, very difficult for me to play them. Particularly if it's like the end stages of the grand slam.”
So today Djokovic gets his wish: he gets to play Sinner in best-of-three. How will it go?
Carlos Alcaraz on his drop-shot strategy against Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:20 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz won 12 out of 13 points when playing a drop shot against Taylor Fritz.
“12 out of 13, that's great,” he says. “I just realised that I was, you know, winning all the drop shots that I was making, so it was kind of a strategy, but at the beginning it was like, OK, I just feel it. You're like, oh this is going pretty well today.
“You go with the flow. So that's what I did. I think Tokyo was kind of the same, so at the beginning I knew that the drop shots, it was going to be a greater weapon for me today.”
Carlos Alcaraz to face either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in final
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:10 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter meetings in the French Open final, Wimbledon final and US Open, we could have a repeat of Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner in the Six Kings Slam final here. That’s unless Novak Djokovic finds a way to snap his losing streak against Sinner.
Alcaraz dodges the question of who is going to win but adds: “It’s one of the best match-ups we have right now. It’s going to be interesting and I’m going to watch.”
Carlos Alcaraz having fun at Six Kings Slam after beating Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:06 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz says one of his main goals today was to play “great shots” and the World No 1 certainly did that today, going through his box of tricks with drop shots, running forehand winners, and crushing backhands down the line.
“I pulled off great, great shots today, great points,” Alcaraz says. “This was one of my main goals before coming to this match, trying to, to pull off great shots, great points for the people, trying to entertain them.
“I think that's, that's why we are here just to make the people happy. With the noise from the people, I think they like it, so I'm just really happy about it.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-2 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:04 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz suddenly has to face break point but produces another clutch serve to save. Fritz is forced to chase down another Alcaraz drop shot and pushes it long to bring up our third match point.
Alcaraz goes for the drop shot again. It wasn’t perfect, but Fritz goes long! Alcaraz is through and looked very good indeed in beating Fritz 6-4 6-2, no concerns about his ankle here.
There’s a a warm embrace at the net as Alcaraz wins his second match in a row against Fritz, following from his defeat to him at the Laver Cup last month.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-2 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 19:00 , Jamie BraidwoodWide serve, forehand winner from Alcaraz on the opening point - but Fritz isn’t done yet and gets to 15-30 after snapping a couple of aggressive returns.
Alcaraz responds by punishing the backhand down the line, then follows it up with an ace. Brilliant from Alcaraz, and it brings up match point.
Alcaraz nets on the backhand crosscourt, but another masterful backhand down the line sends Fritz spinning and sets up the second match point.
Fritz, though, saves the second with the backhand winner on the return!
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-2 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:55 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz whacks a return into Fritz’s feet and the American faces 15-30. Every point looks arduous for Fritz and although eh sends Alcaraz the wrong way, he drags the forehand wide.
Break point: Alcaraz jumps on the second serve and Fritz pushes the backhand wide. With the double-break secured, that should be that for Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-2 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:52 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz backs up the break, pulling Fritz into the net with another drop shot. Fritz is looking downright fed-up right now and kicks the ball back into the net in frustration.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 3-2 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:48 , Jamie BraidwoodThese are big moments for Fritz, who catches the net-cord and now faces 0-30 having missed break point on the previous game. Alcaraz howls as he shoves the forehand long of the baseline, but Alcaraz guides a backhand down the line and follows it up with a forehand winner snapped crosscourt.
Two break points for Alcaraz, and he take it on the second! An incredible switch-up from Alcaraz as he goes from blasting groundstrokes to slicing a delicate drop shot just over the net, beating Fritz. Stunning variety.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 2-2 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:45 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz toys with Fritz again, sending the American chasing lobs and his drop shot. But Fritz responds with a massive forehand crosscourt to get to 30-30 and bring up another pressure point against the Alcaraz serve.
Fritz looked to take the return early and although Alcaraz soaked up the pressure, Fritz went again and fired another huge bomb of a forehand cross court. He will get a look at break point!
But Fritz can’t take it, he goes long and shakes his head. Alcaraz finds an important ace out wide. Alcaraz then finds a stunning angle on the backhand drop shot. Sensational.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 1-2 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:40 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz finds his first serve and gets out of trouble. Alcaraz was not able to be clinical enough on break point. That could have been the match right there, but Fritz comes through it.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 1-1 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:38 , Jamie BraidwoodSo good from Alcaraz. Fritz thought he was in control until Alcaraz blasted the backhand winner past him.
Fritz, who has faced pressure against the Alcaraz return, double-faults to bring up deuce... then the American double-faults again!
Fritz bounces his racket off the court in frustration and now must face break point... he can’t get the first serve in play.
But Alcaraz nets on the backhand! Relief for Fritz.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 1-1 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:35 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz brings it to Alcaraz on the return takes over the baseline rally before sending down the smash. He gets a look at 30-30.
Alcaraz ramps it up on the forehand, though, then pulls out another sensational low strike crosscourt, hit from around his ankles.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 0-1 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:31 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz has been outplayed so far but he will need to tell himself that the first came down to just one service game.
Alcaraz has been sensational and aggressive on the returns but Fritz finds his spots down the middle and holds as he pushes Alcaraz deep into his backhand corner with a low, skidding backhand crosscourt.
FIRST SET! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:27 , Jamie BraidwoodThe level has been very good from Alcaraz, and he marches into another dominant service game behind a massive first serve and forehand strike.
Fritz goes long on the return and Alcaraz gets three set points: he goes for the serve-and-volley, but nets on the first opportunity.
Fritz goes long on the second set point and Alcaraz takes a high-quality opener that featured some wonderful shots. Fritz didn’t do too much wrong.
*Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:24 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz ramps up the pressure on Fritz as he leans into two driving forehands down the line off the return.
Fritz digs in again from deuce as he lands back-to-back unreturned serves to get the hold.
Carlos Alcaraz 5-3 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:21 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz goes for the serve-volley and toys with Fritz to move a game away from the set.
He is still wearing some strapping around his right ankle, which forced him to miss the Shanghai Masters.
But it’s not appearing to be causing him any issues so far.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-3 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:18 , Jamie BraidwoodThe exhibition tennis from Alcaraz produces another magic moment as he beats Fritz with a looping forehand lob.
Fritz hangs on, though, holding serve as Alcaraz puts the backhand return wide.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-2 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:15 , Jamie BraidwoodFrom 40-0, Alcaraz doesn’t quite get the serve-volley right as Fritz races up to the ball to put away the forehand pass.
Alcaraz blasts a forehand wide after Fritz digs in to retrieve a couple of massive swings from the Spaniard.
On 40-30, Alcaraz closes it out with an ace. It’s been brilliant from Alcaraz through the first six games.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 3-2 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:11 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz is so hard to beat because he forces players to always hit an extra shot but Fritz is finding his way through as he blasts another backhand winner down the line.
Alcaraz wins the next point by covering Fritz at the net and landing a couple of beautiful volleys; Alcaraz then ramps up the pressure with a huge backhand crosscourt and finishes it with a smash.
Break point to Alcaraz, and he takes it. Fritz goes wide on the backhand down the line this time. Alcaraz gets the opening break.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-2 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:07 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz has been very transparent that he wants to enjoy himself in exhibitions and the Spaniard pulls off another highlight-reel shot. Moving backwards, Alcaraz tickles another brilliant drop shot over the net that left Fritz with no chance.
*Carlos Alcaraz 1-2 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 18:03 , Jamie BraidwoodFritz knows he has to bring his best level in every game to keep this competitive. He guides a lovely backhand winner down the line and lands a big kicker out wide on his way to getting his opening hold. Solid enough start.
Carlos Alcaraz 1-1 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:59 , Jamie BraidwoodIncredible shot from Alcaraz as he slaps a forehand crosscourt winner on the run, with the ball scorching past Fritz.
From power, Alcaraz switches to touch as he tucks a drop shot just over the net. Fritz goes wide on the return and that’s an emphatic opening game from Alcaraz.
*Carlos Alcaraz 0-1 Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:56 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz jogs inside the baseline when facing the Fritz second serve on the opening point, and easily puts it away for a return winner.
That underlines the importance of Fritz’s first-serve percentage here, but the American steadies to get to 40-15, only to throw in a double fault.
Alcaraz fires an inside-out forehand winner to get to deuce, but Fritz fires an ace and unreturned serve out wide to get the opening hold.
Carlos Alcaraz 0-0 Taylor Fritz*
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:49 , Jamie BraidwoodThere were some muted ‘Siuuuus’ as Speed made his way off the court. Alcaraz won the toss and elected to receive, so Fritz will serve first.
Carlos Alcaraz v Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:47 , Jamie BraidwoodWe’re almost ready to begin. Fritz is followed onto the Riyadh court by Alcaraz, whose arrival is greeted by some louder cheers. There are still many empty seats in the Arena. There wasn’t much of an atmosphere yesterday but today’s semi-final line-up is unquestionably a better draw.
Eh... Alcaraz was wearing some sort of camera when walking out on court? We are treated to a shaky perspective of Alcaraz removing his warm-up top. Safe to say some of Netflix’s production has not really hit the bar so far.
Oh, we’re got iShowSpeed doing the coin toss. A joy.
Carlos Alcaraz v Taylor Fritz
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:40 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz on facing Fritz: “He is tough, powerful. It’s always a difficult match-up. I like playing against him and having those battles, but sometimes it’s a nightmare.”
Taylor Fritz on facing Alcaraz: “He’s an incredible player, he’s amazing. When you get him on one of his best days he’s very tough to beat him, he plays with so much variety. I played a good match against him in Laver Cup and a solid match in Tokyo. I got closer than the times before.”
Six Kings Slam order of play and schedule
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:35 , Jamie BraidwoodA reminder of today’s order of play, which happens to the same line-up as this year’s Wimbledon semi-finals.
Thursday October 16
From 5:30pm BST (UK time)
Semi-final 1: Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz
Not before 7pm BST (UK time)
Semi-final 2: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
Why did Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic receive byes into semi-finals?
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:33 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz received byes into the semi-finals because they are the two players in the draw who have the most grand slam singles titles, with 24 and six respectively.
The same procedure was used last season, which meant Djokovic and Rafael Nadal went straight through to the semi-finals while Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner needed to go through the quarter-finals.
Taylor Fritz v Carlos Alcaraz - head to head
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:26 , Luke BakerFritz now faces Carlos Alcaraz in today’s semi-final and their head to head make for interesting reading.
After the duo first faced each other in Miami in 2023, Alcaraz has built a 4-1 lead in matches between the pair.
Fritz’s only win over the six-time grand slam champion was a 6-3, 6-2 win at the Laver Cup in Francisco last month, although Alcaraz has already got revenge by winning the Japan Open final against the American less than two weeks later.
Can Fritz get revenge today and move a step closer to the $4.5m winners’ prize?
Taylor Fritz too good for Alexander Zverev
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:17 , Luke BakerIt was a relatively simple day’s work for Taylor Fritz in the end yesterday as he easily downed Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-3 in front of a muted crowd in Riyadh.
Fritz has now won seven consecutive matches against Zverev – but this won’t count on the official head-to-head records – and did not need to get out of second gear to win.
Zverev earned roughly $250,000 more for his 59-minute defeat to Fritz than he did for finishing runner-up at the Australian Open in January, and was paid around $25,000 per minute for his one match at the Six Kings Slam.
The German’s performance was particularly disappointing, although he appeared to be struggling with a right shoulder injury throughout the match.
The world No 3 was under-powered and repeatedly rolled serves into the middle of the service box that were 20kmph slower than his season average.
In pictures: Day one at Six Kings Slam
Thursday 16 October 2025 17:05 , Luke BakerDay one in Riyadh saw Sinner and Taylor Fritz advance with victories over Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev respectively
Sinner shows his class agaisnt Tsitsipas
Thursday 16 October 2025 16:56 , Luke BakerSinner was having fun during his quarter-final victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas yesterday. Here’s just one of the remarkable shots he pulled off
Jannik Sinner couldn't help but smile after hitting this ridiculous shot against Stefanos Tsitsipas 😅
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) October 15, 2025
Incredible.#SixKingsSlam LIVE now on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/k5NoKZx4Dv
Jannik Sinner v Novak Djokovic - head to head
Thursday 16 October 2025 16:45 , Luke BakerToday’s clash between Sinner and Djokovic should prove fascinating but the Italian actually has a remarkable recent record against his legendary opponent.
Sinner has won his last fovematches against Djokovic – not including last year’s Six Kings Slam semi-final, which doesn’t count towards official head-to-head records.
Sinner has also won six of his last seven competitive matches with Djokovic since losing to him in the 2023 Wimbledon semi-finals. They have met twice so far this season, with Sinner winning in the French Open semi-finals and Wimbledon semi-finals.
Djokovic has the edge early in Sinner’s career, winning their first three matches (including two Wimbledon clashes) but the younger man has had the edge in recent times.
Novak Djokovic back in action in Riyadh
Thursday 16 October 2025 16:31 , Luke BakerAfter reaching the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters last week, Novak Djokovic returns to the court today at the Six Kings Slam.
Djokovic struggled physically throughout the week in Shanghai and was stunned by World No 204, and eventual champion, Valentin Vacherot in the semi-finals.
Djokovic, who reached the semi-finals of all four grand slams this season only to lose to either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, will be determined to prove himself against his young rivals this week, with today’s game against Sinner the perfect test.
But his fitness will be a concern after his struggles with the heat and humidity in Shanghai, where his body proved to be the difference at the business end of the tournament.
Six Kings Slam reveals what the top tennis players want in 2026
Thursday 16 October 2025 16:19 , Luke BakerAt a time in the season where the annual debate over what to do about the overpacked and unrelenting tennis calendar swings around once more, it seems there is always room for a little more competition when it comes with a $6m cheque for the champion on the side.
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner are among the players involved as the Six Kings Slam returns for its second year in Saudi Arabia, with the three-day exhibition in Riyadh offering $1m more to the winner than Alcaraz received when he triumphed at last month’s US Open, itself the biggest prize fund in grand slam history.
Read Jamie Braidwood’s full analysis of the situation:
Six Kings Slam reveals what the top tennis players want in 2026
Jannik Sinner left confused after fan runs onto Six Kings Slam court to make jacket request
Thursday 16 October 2025 16:05 , Luke BakerJannik Sinner was left confused after a fan rushed onto the Six Kings Slam court to request his jacket before a security guard intervened.
As the Italian left the court in Saudi Arabia after his convincing win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, a fan approached him, pointing at his Nike jacket in an apparent request to claim it as a souvenir.
Sinner appeared confused and reluctant to offer his top as a gift, though, and a security guard was then seen dragging the supporter away before the tennis star picked up his bag and walked off the court.
A fan walked on the court & spoke to Jannik Sinner after his win over Tsitsipas at Six Kings Slam.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 15, 2025
Jannik is just chatting it up before security removes him 😭😭😭😭
pic.twitter.com/u0wILTBV3I
Jannik Sinner taking up the mantle as defending champion
Thursday 16 October 2025 15:54 , Luke BakerSinner defeated Alcaraz in last year’s Six Kings Slam final, having also beaten Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.
The Italian took home the $6m prize amid a dominant run of form towards the end of the season that included titles at the US Open and ATP Finals.
He returns as the defending champion having retired from his third-round match at the Shanghai Open after struggling physically.
The Wimbledon champion lost in the US Open final to Alcaraz - and could come face to face with the Spaniard in Riyadh for the first time since New York.
He will have to again get through Djokovic, but the Italian looked fresh in his dominant opening win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Carlos Alcaraz explains why critics are wrong about Six Kings Slam
Thursday 16 October 2025 15:40 , Luke BakerAlcaraz has also had his say about the Six Kings Slam in general, insisting that players are misunderstood when it comes to criticism over exhibition tournaments.
The Spaniard was among those voicing criticism of the demanding tour schedule in Asia, where a number of players struggled physically, with the world No 1 saying he would consider skipping mandatory events to prioritise his health.
The Spaniard understands, therefore, why there are raised eyebrows over the Six Kings Slam, but he believes critics are wide of the mark.
He said: “I think it’s a discussion that a lot of players and a lot of people are talking about with the calendar, how tight it is with a lot of tournaments and the tournaments of two weeks, and then making some, I’m going to say, excuses with exhibitions, how players are complaining about the calendar and then playing some exhibitions.”
Carlos Alcaraz gives concerning fitness update ahead of semi-final
Thursday 16 October 2025 15:27 , Luke BakerCarlos Alcaraz is in today’s other semi-final against Taylor Fritz but has injury concerns ahead of the clash.
The six-time grand slam champion has not played since winning the Japan Open title last month and skipped the Shanghai Masters because of the ankle injury he picked up in his opening match in Tokyo.
And he’s acknowledged that he’s still not fully fit.
“I’ve been recovering the ankle as much and as good as I can,” Alcaraz has said. “I don’t feel, I would say, 100 per cent, the doubts are there thinking about it a little bit when I’m moving on court.
“But I think it improved a lot and I’m going to compete and perform well here in the Six Kings Slam.”
Jannik Sinner on 'huge honour' of playing Novak Djokovic
Thursday 16 October 2025 15:14 , Luke BakerSinner faces Djokovic in a mouth-watering semi-final and the Italian doesn’t take the opportunity to play an all-time great for granted.
“It’s a huge honour to play again, against a legend like Novak,” said Sinner. “We need rivalries in the sport.
“It's great to have him still here playing in the highest level of our sport. He’s a great role model, you know, also because you look up to these guys.
“He's still hungry to win big titles and and that's why he still keeps playing. Hopefully it's going to be interesting.”
Jannik Sinner questions ‘very unusual’ Six Kings Slam court surface
Thursday 16 October 2025 15:05 , Luke BakerJannik Sinner said he will need to adapt to the “unusual” court at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia as he prepares for another showdown with Novak Djokovic.
Sinner raced to a 6-2 6-3 opening victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion’s first match since retiring from the Shanghai Open earlier this month.
The Italian had few problems beating Tsitsipas as he repeatedly targeted the Greek’s one-handed backhand with vicious blows from his forehand.
But he said the court at the ANB Arena was temperamental, with the surface giving an extremely high and wide bounce on some kick-serves while being flat and slow during other rallies.
Jannik Sinner questions ‘very unusual’ Six Kings Slam court surface
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
