World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is set to return to action at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia in December after the lucrative exhibition tournament was postponed from its original October dates amid security concerns in the region, Reuters reported on Monday.The Italian had announced earlier this month that he would not compete again in 2026 as he continued his recovery from a knee injury that has kept him out of action since his Wimbledon triumph in July. However, the revised schedule for the Six Kings Slam could see the two-time defending champion make a comeback before the end of the year.The exhibition event, which was originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh from October 21 to 24, has been rescheduled for December 27 to 30.
Sinner set for return after knee injury
Sinner’s potential return at the Six Kings Slam comes after a period on the sidelines following his Wimbledon victory in July. The 25-year-old had indicated that he would skip the European indoor hard-court season and the ATP Finals in Turin, where he has won the title in each of the last two editions.His participation in the rescheduled exhibition would therefore mark a significant development in his recovery, although it remains separate from his official ATP Tour commitments. Sinner has dominated the Six Kings Slam since its introduction, beating Spanish rival Carlos Alcaraz in both finals. The Italian earned $6 million for each victory, underlining the extraordinary financial rewards on offer at the non-ATP event.
Alcaraz, Djokovic and Zverev among star-studded field
Alongside Sinner and Alcaraz, the tournament is set to feature Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur. The presence of several of the sport’s leading names is expected to make the December event one of the most closely watched exhibitions on the tennis calendar. With Sinner and Alcaraz having contested the previous two finals, their potential meeting in Riyadh would renew one of the biggest rivalries in men’s tennis.
