Riyadh is once again preparing to host the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition event that has quickly earned a reputation for its star power and, more notably, its staggering financial incentives. With a reported €7.5 million prize awaiting the victor, it stands as one of the most lucrative events in the tennis calendar, drawing the sport`s elite to the Saudi Arabian capital from October 15th to 18th.
The lineup for this year`s iteration promises a captivating spectacle. Confirmed to return are the triumvirate of tennis`s most compelling figures: reigning World Number One Jannik Sinner, alongside Grand Slam champions Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Complementing this formidable trio are a fresh set of invitees who, while yet to clinch a major, bring considerable talent and a competitive edge to the exhibition. This year, the roster expands to include Alexander Zverev, Jack Draper, and Taylor Fritz, ensuring a diverse and exciting pool of contenders.
A Poster Predicament: Jannik Sinner`s Grand Slam Tally
As the event gears up for its October debut, promotional materials have begun to circulate, generating considerable buzz. One particular poster, a digital depiction featuring the crowned “kings” of the court, has, however, introduced a minor numerical anomaly that has piqued the interest of keen observers. On the cheek of Jannik Sinner, the world`s top-ranked player, an inscription boldly declares `5 Grand Slam` titles. An admirable feat, certainly, and one that aligns with the count attributed to Carlos Alcaraz on the very same poster.
However, a quick consultation of official records reveals a slight discrepancy. As of the latest updates, Jannik Sinner has, in fact, secured four Grand Slam singles titles. His impressive collection includes two Australian Open crowns (2024, 2025), a US Open title (2024), and, most recently, a commanding victory at Wimbledon just weeks ago (2025), where he notably triumphed over Alcaraz in a highly anticipated final. This official tally places him at a formidable four, not the five displayed on the promotional artwork.
Error, Aspiration, or Interpretive Accounting?
This numerical divergence has inevitably led to a spectrum of speculation. Was it simply a clerical error, a hasty oversight in the rush of promotional production? Such mistakes are not unheard of in high-stakes marketing campaigns. Or, more provocatively, could it be a bold premonition, a hopeful projection anticipating Sinner`s next major triumph, perhaps at the upcoming US Open later this year? The world will have to wait until early September for any definitive answer to that particular question.
Then there`s the intriguing, if self-serving, possibility. Some commentators, delving into the nuances of the event`s nomenclature, suggest that the organizers of the “Six Kings Slam” might, in their own narrative, consider their exhibition a “Slam” in its own right. If Sinner had previously won this lucrative tournament, then, by this unique interpretive accounting, a victory at the Six Kings Slam could, perhaps, be internally elevated to count as an additional major achievement for promotional purposes. A curious case of branding ambition perhaps overriding mathematical precision, or simply a testament to the grandiosity with which this event views itself.
Regardless of the underlying reason for this minor statistical quirk, the Six Kings Slam continues to generate significant anticipation. The promise of unparalleled prize money and a star-studded cast ensures that, poster anomaly notwithstanding, all eyes will be on Riyadh in October to see which tennis titan truly earns their crown.