Key Takeaways
- Learner Tien will replace Jannik Sinner in the 3rd edition of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
- Two-time champion Sinner withdrew after deciding to end his 2026 campaign early to treat a knee injury.
- Tien is scheduled to face Alex De Minaur on October 21, though the Australian faces medical tests following an adductor retirement in Beijing.
American prospect steps into the Riyadh lineup
Organizers of the lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia have moved swiftly to fill a high-profile vacancy in their field. Following Jannik Sinner’s decision to bring an early end to his 2026 season because of a knee issue, Learner Tien has been selected to replace the Italian.
Sinner had established a dominant record at the event by capturing the trophy in each of the first 2 editions. Event organizers had received advance notice in recent days regarding a potential withdrawal before the Italian star made his absence official.
Opening fixture faces fitness uncertainty
Tien is penciled in to make his debut in the 3rd edition of the tournament on October 21, with Alex De Minaur slated as his opening opponent. However, the matchup remains subject to change as physical concerns loom over the Australian.
De Minaur sustained an adductor injury during his final against Novak Djokovic in Beijing, which forced him to retire from the contest. The Australian is scheduled to undergo medical evaluations in Shanghai to assess the extent of the damage before determining whether he can participate in Riyadh or if he will focus entirely on recovering for the upcoming indoor swing.
Jannik Sinner in 2026
Now the world no.1, the Italian played his last match on the 12th of July when he beat world no.2 Alexander Zverev 6-7(7) 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4 in the final in Wimbledon to win his 31st career title.
Currently, during this season Sinner owns a compiled 44-3 win-loss record. Sinner clinched 6 titles in 2026 in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Wimbledon.
