Jannik Sinner, currently the world’s No. 1 in tennis, stirred up debate after dismissing claims that he competed in the lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh for financial reasons, despite taking home a jaw-dropping $7.5 million. Sinner’s hefty payday, comprised of a $6 million prize for winning the event and a $1.5 million appearance fee, has raised questions as fans and pundits debate the ethics of accepting such massive sums, especially in comparison to the purses at Grand Slam tournaments.
In response to critics, Sinner told Eurosport that he entered the Six Kings Slam solely for the sporting challenge. “I don’t play for money,” Sinner declared in a social media clip. “It’s a nice prize, but for me, it was about competing with some of the best players in the world.”
The Italian star explained that the tournament offered him a rare chance to test himself against top competitors, adding, “Playing matches the right way and coming back as a winner – that, for me, is what matters.”
Despite Sinner’s statements, reactions have been mixed. Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, subtly mocked Sinner’s comments by responding with a laughing emoji on social media. Meanwhile, Paul Annacone, former coach to Roger Federer, defended Sinner’s decision to compete in Saudi Arabia. Speaking on the Tennis Channel, Annacone noted that “it’s a big business,” arguing that players shouldn’t apologize for capitalizing on financial opportunities. “I don’t think he needs to defend playing for money or not,” he said, adding that the large appearance fees are “just a part of what goes along with being one of the best players in the world.”
Looking ahead, Sinner has confirmed his intention to return to the Six Kings Slam in 2025, hinting that the financial and competitive allure of Saudi events is hard to ignore. As Saudi Arabia pushes deeper into the sports world, reports indicate it could expand its investment in tennis, with possible stakes in the Miami Open and Madrid Open.
The ATP and WTA Tours have expressed openness to Saudi investment, which could further integrate top players like Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz into the Kingdom’s growing sports portfolio. While some traditionalists may continue to raise concerns over large payouts at non-Grand Slam events, it’s clear that tennis is entering a new era where financial backing from Saudi Arabia could change the game’s landscape, leaving critics debating whether players should turn down big paychecks for “pure” competition.
