Andy Roddick offered an intriguing take on Jannik Sinner’s record-breaking $6 million prize at the recent Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, where the Italian star won the largest prize money in tennis history by defeating Carlos Alcaraz. While Roddick acknowledged the exorbitant payout, he pointed out that it’s easier for organizers to offer substantial winnings when there are only a few competitors, unlike in Grand Slam tournaments, which must account for over 100 participants, including doubles players and logistical expenses.
The Riyadh exhibition, which featured six of tennis’s top stars, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune, saw all participants receive at least $1.5 million in prize money. Sinner’s $6 million payday, however, dwarfed earnings from his 2024 Grand Slam titles, which each rewarded him between $3.5 and $3.6 million. On his podcast *Served with Andy Roddick*, the former World No. 1 remarked, “It doesn’t make me sick to my stomach that he made more than 25% of my career prize money in three days,” adding that such lucrative exhibitions may become more common, especially as tennis strengthens ties with wealthy nations.
Saudi Arabia’s presence in tennis is growing. Riyadh is set to host the WTA Finals in early November, with Jeddah scheduled for the Next Gen ATP Finals later in the month. Given that the ATP recently established a deal with Saudi Arabia, Roddick predicts the country will continue securing major tournaments, creating more opportunities for players to earn significant prize money.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
Now the 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.
Currently, during this season Jannik achieved a composed 65-6 record. Sinner clinched 7 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Shanghai. Sinner got to the final 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 |
Jannik Sinner in 2024
Now ranked no.1, Jannik played his last match on the 13th of October when he defeated world no.4 Novak Djokovic 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final in Shanghai to win his 18th career title.
This season the Italian has achieved a 65-6 win-loss 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 has scheduled to compete 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 |