The topic of tennis scheduling is constantly discussed, whether by players or other influential figures in the sport. The players barely have any breathing room left because of how crowded the season has been.
Although the players have frequently complained about the demanding schedule, the upcoming Six Kings Slam exhibition event created a new issue this time. Only a few days before the ATP Vienna tournament, the three-day event is being held in Saudi Arabia this week. Herwig Straka, the director of ATP Vienna, consequently voiced grave concerns.
In the summit battle, Jannik Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev in Vienna last year. Sinner will miss the Vienna tournament, though, because of the Six Kings Slam this week. Straka expressed dissatisfaction over the reigning champion skipping this year’s competition because of the exhibition event in Riyadh.
Straka said: “This exhibition doesn’t make much sense. Generally speaking, I’m not happy with the exhibitions. This week’s one obviously doesn’t satisfy us, because it potentially prevents us from having certain players for our field, including our defending champion, Jannik Sinner.”
The Six Kings Slam event was controversial not only because of the match against ATP Vienna but also because it was held in Saudi Arabia.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
At the moment ranked no.1, Sinner played his last match on the 13th of October when he beat world no.4 Novak Djokovic 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai to win his 18th career title.
Currently, during this season the Italian has a compiled 65-6 win-loss record. Sinner clinched 7 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Shanghai. Sinner was the finalist in Beijing.
Sinner will play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Jannik Sinner |
Embed from Getty Images |
Jannik Sinner in 2024
Ranked world no.1, Jannik played his last match on the 13th of October when he beat world no.4 Novak Djokovic 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai to win his 18th career title.
This season Jannik has achieved a compiled 65-6 match record. Sinner conquered 7 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Shanghai. The Italian was the finalist in Beijing.
Sinner is scheduled to compete next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 28th of October.
Jannik Sinner |
Embed from Getty Images |