Jannik Sinner delivered a commanding performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 6-4 in the final of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. The Italian’s victory marked his second consecutive title at the event and his second win over Alcaraz in this format, adding to last year’s triumph. Although the match does not affect ATP rankings or official head-to-head records, it was a significant psychological boost for Sinner, who had only one win in their previous eight official meetings.
Alcaraz praises Sinner’s intensity
Carlos Alcaraz was candid in his post-match reflections, acknowledging the difficulty of facing Sinner at full throttle. “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.”
The Spaniard struggled to find rhythm against Sinner’s relentless pace and precision, failing to earn a single break point in the match.
Motivation through rivalry
Despite the defeat, Alcaraz emphasized the motivational impact of competing against Sinner. “But I always said that. 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.”
Their growing rivalry continues to shape the future of men’s tennis, with both players under 25 and already Grand Slam champions. The Six Kings Slam may be an exhibition, but the intensity and quality of their matches suggest a rivalry that will define the next era of the sport.
ATP Vienna - Jannik Sinner's projected path
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Ranked no.2, Jannik 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 .
Currently, during this year Sinner has a 43-6 match record. Jannik has won 3 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Jannik was the finalist 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
Currently ranked no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 30th of September when he beat world no.4 Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in the final in Tokyo to win his 25th career title.
This year the Spaniard owns a 67-7 match record. The Spaniard has won 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. Carlos was the runner-up 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 squared off 16 times. Their record is 11-5 for Alcaraz.