Six Kings Slam: what is it? Do Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic play? Time, date and how to see it | Tennis News

Rafael Nadal will join Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in one of his final appearances before retiring from competition at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh – live on Sky Sports from October 17th to 19th.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion confirmed last week he would end his distinguished tennis career after playing for Spain at the Davis Cup final in Malaga next month.

Before that, he will take his place at a lucrative event in Saudi Arabia this week, where he will compete alongside some of the best players in men's tennis.

What is that?

The Six Kings Slam is a three-day exhibition tennis tournament in which six well-known players take part.

As this is a non-ATP sanctioned event, players will not receive ranking points.

Each of the six entrants will be guaranteed a minimum prize of £1.12 million, with the winner taking home the biggest prize in tennis history at £4.5 million – almost double the prize money for a Grand Slam champion.

When and where does the Six Kings Slam take place?

The Six Kings Slam tournament will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from October 16-19, 2024.

October 16: Jannik Sinner against Daniil Medvedev 6:0, 6:3, Carlos Alcaraz against Holger Rune 6:4, 6:2

October 17th: Novak Djokovic against Jannik Sinner, Rafael Nadal against Carlos Alcaraz

October 19th: Game for third place, final

Who plays who?

World No. 1 Sinner defeated 2021 US Open champion Medvedev in the opening game, while Dane Rune lost to 21-year-old Spanish sensation Alcaraz in the second game.

Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam winner, now plays Sinner, with Nadal set to face his Spanish compatriot Alcaraz on Thursday from 5:15 p.m. live on Sky Sports Tennis.

Alcaraz said of Nadal. “He is still my idol. He is a really important person in my life and career. One of the reasons I became a professional. I don't know if it's a privilege to play against him again or if it's hard for me. But I’ll try” to enjoy it. I'll give it full throttle.

Is this Nadal's last appearance?

The 38-year-old, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 at the French Open, announced his impending retirement in an emotional video message last week.

Nadal will bring an emotional end to his illustrious career in Malaga, but first he will play at the Six Kings Slam.

It is the first time Nadal has played since the Paris Olympics, where he teamed with his young successor Alcaraz in a blockbuster doubles match.

Djokovic and Nadal both had first-round byes, meaning they will play their opening matches on Thursday against Sinner and Alcaraz respectively.

What's coming up on Sky Sports Tennis this month?

• Almaty Open, Kazakhstan – ATP 250 (October 14-20 – Dan Evans in action)
• Stockholm Open, Sweden – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
• European Open, Antwerp – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
• Japan Open, Osaka – WTA 250 (October 14-20)
• Ningbo Open, China – WTA 500 (October 14-20 – Katie Boulter in action)
• Erste Bank Open, Vienna – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
• Swiss Indoors, Basel – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
• Guangzhou Open, China – WTA 250 (October 21-27)
• Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis, Tokyo – WTA 500 (October 21-27)

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