Jannik Sinner delivered a commanding performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 6-4 in the final of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The victory earned the Italian the largest single payday of the tennis season—$6 million—and marked his second consecutive triumph at the event. Despite the match not affecting ATP rankings or official head-to-head records, Sinner’s win was a powerful response to his recent loss to Alcaraz in the US Open final.
Sinner broke Alcaraz in the opening game and never looked back, controlling the tempo with a vastly improved serve and relentless baseline aggression. The win adds to his Wimbledon final success earlier this year, which had been his only official victory over Alcaraz in their last eight meetings.
Alcaraz praises Sinner’s level
Carlos Alcaraz acknowledged the quality of Sinner’s performance, offering candid reflections after the match. “When Jannik is playing at this level, it’s always difficult. I think everybody could enjoy his tennis today,” Alcaraz said. “It was really high level of tennis. Sometimes it seems like he’s playing ping pong. It’s not funny, to be honest, being at the other side of the net.”
Despite the loss, Alcaraz emphasized the motivational impact of facing Sinner. “When he plays such great tennis, it gives me motivation just to then go to the practice court, give him 100 per cent, try to be better. Sometimes he’s annoying, but at the same time he gives me extra motivation.”
Djokovic retires, Fritz takes third
Earlier in the day, Novak Djokovic withdrew from his third-place match against Taylor Fritz after dropping a grueling 75-minute first set. The 38-year-old’s physical condition remains uncertain, casting doubt over the remainder of his season. Fritz, who had lost to Alcaraz in the semi-finals, secured third place by default.
A lucrative and controversial showcase
The Six Kings Slam, now in its second edition, featured six elite players—Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic, Fritz, Zverev, and Tsitsipas—each guaranteed $1.5 million for participation. While the event drew criticism for its location and lack of competitive stakes, the financial rewards and high-profile matchups ensured global attention.
Sinner’s back-to-back titles in Riyadh reinforce his status as one of the sport’s most formidable talents heading into the final stretch of the season.
ATP Vienna - Jannik Sinner's projected path
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Now the world no.
2, Sinner played his last match on the 5th of October when he had to retire when playing against world no.27 Tallon Griekspoor in the 3rd round and the scoreline was 6-7(3) 7-5 3-2 .This season Jannik owns a composed 43-6 record. Jannik clinched 3 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Jannik was the runner-up in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) after Vienna. The main draw will start on the 20th of October.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Ranked world no.1, the Spaniard played his last match on the 30th of September when he defeated world no.4 Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in the final in Tokyo to win his 25th career title.
Currently, during this year Alcaraz has an overall 67-7 match record. Alcaraz conquered 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. The Spaniard reached the final in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). The main draw will start on the 27th of October.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz faced off 16 times. Their head to head is 11-5 for Alcaraz.