The world of tennis was abuzz with controversy following the conclusion of the Six Kings Slam, a millionaire exhibition tournament held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event, which pitted the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, and eventual champion Jannik Sinner against each other, not only divided tennis fans but also drew criticism from former players such as Andy Roddick.
In a scathing critique on his podcast, Served With, Roddick did not hold back in expressing his disdain for the tournament, calling it “completely unnatural” and lacking the “glamour” of other exhibition events like the Laver Cup. The former world No. 1 took particular issue with the exorbitant prize money involved, with Sinner walking away with a staggering $6 million while the other participants settled for $1.5 million each.
“Seriously, I never envy anyone for their choices,” Roddick mused. “Someone pays that amount of money and you have to go and dance even in an embarrassing way. The whole thing felt completely unnatural, it just felt weird. I had no interest in it.”
Despite his criticisms, Roddick acknowledged the growing trend of such extravagant exhibition tournaments in the world of tennis. “For better or for worse, we will see more and more of this type of thing,” he remarked. “It’s easier to pay Jannik Sinner $6 million when you’re not responsible for 122 other players, plus doubles and other x, y and z variables.”
The American also pointed out the logistical advantages of hosting such an event in a single location, citing the absence of multiple courts to manage and program, as well as the lack of additional expenses. “It’s just great for them, for the players. Take your money,” Roddick concluded.
As the debate over the Six Kings Slam rages on, one thing is clear – the tournament has certainly left a lasting impression on the tennis community, for better or for worse.
