Alcaraz Defends Decision To Play At Six Kings Slam Amid Criticism
Key Takeaways
- Carlos Alcaraz is competing in the high-paying Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Alcaraz defended his participation by arguing exhibition matches are less physically and mentally demanding than standard ATP Tour events.
- The exhibition features top players like Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Taylor Fritz, with large guaranteed appearance fees.
- Alcaraz is recovering from an ankle injury sustained in Tokyo but feels well enough to compete, having received a bye to the semifinals.
- Taylor Fritz defeated Alexander Zverev, and Novak Djokovic is slated to play Jannik Sinner in the other semifinal.
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is participating in the lucrative four-day Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which offers a reported $6 million prize for the winner and guaranteed $1.5 million appearance fees. Alcaraz acknowledged criticism about his hectic schedule but defended his choice by emphasizing that exhibition matches are significantly less demanding physically and mentally compared to lengthy ATP Tour tournaments. The event also features Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, with Fritz having already advanced to face Alcaraz in the semifinals. This appearance follows Alcaraz skipping the Shanghai Masters due to an ankle injury, though he stated that while he is not 100%, his recovery has progressed well enough for him to compete effectively.
