Six Kings Slam 2026 Rescheduled, New Dates Revealed for Tennis Event in Saudi Arabia

The Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, among others, has been rescheduled from October to December 27-30.

Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, announced on Wednesday that the tournament that was originally scheduled for Oct. 21, 22 and 24 was postponed for "logistical reasons," according to Amelie Claydon of The Athletic.

In addition to the headliners in Alcaraz and Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur and Learner Tien were scheduled to participate. However, Claydon noted it "remains unclear" if all six players will participate in the event following the rescheduling, as the late December days fall during tennis' offseason and shortly before January's Australian Open.

Jannik Sinner won the event and the $6 million that came with it last year but withdrew from this year's edition due to a knee injury. Sinner won the first two Six Kings Slams after it was launched in 2024.

Each player who participates in the exhibition that airs on Netflix receives $1.5 million with an additional $4.5 million going to the victor, per Claydon.

While Saudi Arabia ended its deal to host the WTA Tour Finals and Next Gen ATP Finals after doing so in the past, it is scheduled to host a new ATP Masters 1000 tournament. That could start as early as 2028, per Claydon.

If all six players do participate, this year's Six Kings Slam will feature the men's singles champion in three of the four majors in 2026. Sinner won Wimbledon, but Zverev took home the titles at the U.S. Open and the French Open. 

Alcaraz won the Australian Open.

Alcaraz's health was a major storyline this year, as he withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon, among other tournaments, as he dealt with a wrist injury. He returned for the U.S. Open and played well, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to American Ben Shelton in a thrilling five-set match.

Shelton went on to reach the final before losing to Zverev.