Picture this: Two tennis titans clashing in a high-stakes showdown that could redefine modern tennis rivalry. But here's where it gets controversial... is Sinner ready to dethrone the young king, or will Alcaraz prove he's unstoppable?
Get ready for an electrifying clash at the Six Kings Slam, where Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are set to battle for supremacy on Saturday, October 18. These two rising stars, often hailed as the future kings of the court, will face off in the final, adding another thrilling chapter to their budding rivalry. Photo: Getty Images (2)
It all started with a resounding upset that shook the tennis world. Jannik Sinner powered past Novak Djokovic in the semifinal of the Six Kings Slam (check out more details here: https://style.corriere.it/attualita/sport/six-kings-slam-dove-quando-vedere-tv-sinner-djokovic-netflix/) with a dominant 6-4, 6-2 victory, showcasing incredible tactical maturity and mental resilience against one of the sport's all-time greats. For beginners getting into tennis, think of Djokovic as a legendary figure who's won countless titles—like a master chess player who's always several moves ahead. Sinner's win here demonstrates how the new generation is stepping up, turning potential into powerful performances.
The grand final will unfold at the Diriyah Tennis Arena in Riyadh, kicking off no earlier than 8:30 PM Italian time, and you can catch every intense moment live on Netflix. Before that, tune in for the match deciding 3rd and 4th place between Taylor Fritz and Novak Djokovic.
Over the past few months, Sinner has been on an extraordinary run, reaching an impressive string of finals that highlight his rapid ascent. One standout moment came at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, where he advanced to the final only to face Carlos Alcaraz, who emerged victorious. This kind of head-to-head experience is crucial in tennis, as it builds familiarity and exposes players to different styles—Alcaraz's aggressive baseline play versus Sinner's strategic defense, for example.
Then, at the 2025 Roland Garros (learn more here: https://style.corriere.it/attualita/sport/roland-garros-2025-carlos-alcaraz-ancora-vincitore/), Sinner once again reached the final in a grueling five-set epic against Alcaraz. After nearly five and a half hours of intense battle, Sinner fell short in the decisive tiebreak of the fifth set. For those new to the sport, a tiebreak is like a sudden-death mini-match within the set, where the first to seven points (with a two-point lead) wins—adding heart-pounding drama to an already long contest.
Just weeks later on grass, Sinner kept the momentum going, making it to the final at Wimbledon (details here: https://style.corriere.it/attualita/sport/sinner-trionfa-a-wimbledon-2025-tappe-finale/), where he clinched his first Wimbledon title by defeating Carlos Alcaraz. This victory was a breakthrough, showing Sinner's adaptability on different surfaces—grass courts reward precision and serve-and-volley tactics, unlike the clay of Roland Garros.
Continuing the Slam trail, Sinner advanced to the final of the 2025 US Open, only to encounter Alcaraz again and lose in four sets. His consistency across these major tournaments is remarkable, each one testing different skills and mental fortitude.
In the summer, Sinner performed strongly in ATP-level tournaments too, reaching the final of the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati (find out more: https://style.corriere.it/attualita/sport/a-che-ora-gioca-sinner-contro-alcaraz-a-cincinnati-dove-vedere-la-finale-oggi-18-agosto/). However, that final didn't finish traditionally: Sinner had to retire mid-match against Alcaraz, who then claimed the title. Injuries or fatigue can sometimes force such decisions, underscoring the physical demands of professional tennis.
Given that the Six Kings Slam doesn't award ATP points but remains a prestigious event, Sinner's upcoming final against Alcaraz on October 18 marks the sixth consecutive final he's contested in this period. It's a feat that speaks volumes about his endurance and skill level.
As defeated semifinalist Novak Djokovic remarked yesterday, "I tried to rattle him a bit, but Jannik is like a runaway train, smashing the ball in every rally." This quote captures the sheer dominance Sinner displayed.
And this is the part most people miss: This isn't the first time these two have squared off for the crown in this very event. Back in 2024, they delivered a memorable final that Sinner won in a comeback, with the score 6-7, 6-3, 6-3. Now, a year later, the stage is set again—same venue, same stars, but with stakes that feel even higher. Both players have had phenomenal seasons filled with finals and a rivalry that's becoming legendary. The big question looms: Who will author the next chapter in this epic narrative?
The winner of the Six Kings Slam walks away with a total prize pool of 6 million US dollars. This breaks down to a hefty 4.5 million dollars for the champion and a guaranteed 1.5 million dollars participation fee for each of the six invited players, regardless of how far they advance. So, even runners-up pocket that 1.5 million dollars. After all, they're called the 'kings' for a reason—six in total.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some fans argue that events like the Six Kings Slam, with their massive payouts but no ATP points, dilute the traditional ranking system and prioritize showmanship over merit. Is this the future of tennis, where exhibition-style tournaments rival the Slams in prestige? Or does it unfairly reward players without impacting their official standings? What do you think—does this kind of event elevate the sport by creating must-see matchups, or does it cheapen the grind of the regular circuit? Share your thoughts in the comments below: Do you side with Sinner or Alcaraz, and why might this rivalry surpass even the greatest of past eras?
