SUMMARY
- Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will be spearheading the attack in Riyadh this season.
- Top players from the ATP tour have been roped in for the Six King Slam event set to start this year.
The 2024 ATP season will see a total of 68 events take place until November. Seven events have already been completed, and three are ongoing. Each year, players have a packed calendar, while the senior players restrict themselves. But this year, an event outside the tour has emerged. The event will see Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal leading the youngsters in Saudi Arabia.
The Six Kings Slam is scheduled for October, and the dates will be revealed soon. The top players have confirmed their participation at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Djokovic, Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune will be contesting for a record prize money of $6 million. The participation fee for the event is reportedly $1.5 million.
Get ready for the ultimate clash of titans ❤🇸🇦
This October 2024, Riyadh Season will be hosting the “6 Kings Slam” – a spectacular championship where six global tennis titans go head-to-head#BigTime #RiyadhSeason #برنامج_جودة_الحياة pic.twitter.com/SrIkSxgCF2— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) February 5, 2024
Rune will be the only player without a Grand Slam in the event. While Sinner pocketed $3.15 million in Melbourne, this time the prize money is almost double. On the other hand, former players have criticized the changes in the 2024 WTA Finals being conducted in Saudi Arabia. The criticism has not been appreciated by Ons Jabeur, who has different views on the topic.
Ons Jabeur looks forward to WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia amid backlash from former players
The 2023 WTA Finals was an event that will be remembered for poor planning and scheduling. But this year, the discussions have already begun for the WTA Finals. The locations are being finalized as there are possibilities that the season-ending championship will take place in Saudi Arabia this year. Former players Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have opposed the move.
While there has been a backlash by Navratilova and Evert, Jabeur has praised Princess Reema of Saudi Arabia for her way of handling the critics. The Tunisian player said, “Princess Reema’s answer was unbelievable. I think classy, elegant, and every player was impressed with the way she addressed Martina’s and Chris’ letter.” Jabeur also mentioned that she is looking forward to playing in Saudi Arabia.
The WTA Finals prize money, if conducted in Saudi Arabia, is set to break the prize money record in the sport. The players will have to understand the changes that come with the event taking place in the Middle East. Princess Reema had informed the players to come to their country and experience it for themselves. They can give it a go this year and then decide for themselves for the upcoming editions.