Alcaraz and Sinner to share Record $2 Million Payday at Inaugural Six Kings Slam
MADRID – Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are set to earn a guaranteed $1 million each at the inaugural Six Kings Slam exhibition event in London this April, a record payout for a tennis exhibition, organizers confirmed today.The event, taking place April 22-28 at the O2 Arena, will also feature Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray, marking a rare gathering of tennis’s modern “Big six.”
The Six Kings Slam aims to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the sport’s biggest stars, offering fans a unique prospect to see them compete in a relaxed, entertainment-focused environment. While exhibitions are designed to promote the sport and reach new audiences – evidenced by roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s 2020 Cape Town match drawing a reported record crowd of 51,954 – the substantial financial incentives for players are drawing increased attention, notably given Alcaraz’s recent comments on the demanding tennis calendar.
Alcaraz, known for his gifted and highly entertaining shot-making, frequently participates in exhibitions, having faced Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe in the US earlier this year, and also appearing with Tiafoe in Puerto rico. He and Tiafoe are scheduled for another exhibition in New Jersey this December alongside Emma Raducanu and Amanda Anisimova. Despite a busy schedule, Alcaraz has been vocal about the strain on players, stating in 2024 that the current calendar is “going to kill us in some way.”
When questioned about his exhibition commitments last year, Alcaraz emphasized a distinction between his official tour schedule and exhibition matches: “I have seen that many people talk about my calendar as I have put many exhibitions [in]. But you have to separate the calendar and the exhibitions – they are different things.” His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, echoed this sentiment, believing the less competitive nature of exhibitions helps Alcaraz relax.
The Six Kings Slam’s unprecedented prize money underscores the growing commercial value of exhibition events and the demand to see the sport’s top players compete, even outside of the customary tour season. The event is expected to generate important revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights, further solidifying the financial power of tennis’s biggest names.
