Latest news with #SixKingsSlam
Independent Singapore
5 days ago
- Sport
- Independent Singapore
Jack Draper to compete at the second edition of the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia
Photo: Instagram/jackdraper British No. 1 Jack Draper will compete at the second edition of the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia from Oct 15 to 18. As part of the Riyadh Season, the athlete will compete along with the other top five PIF ATP (World Rankings) players in the world. This year will be Draper's first appearance at the event, as well as Alexander Zverev's and Taylor Fritz's. These athletes took the places of Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune from last year's tournament. Currently, Draper is ranked No. 5 in the world. He won the Indian Wells over Rune and was runner-up to Casper Ruud at the Madrid Open. However, he was defeated by Marin Cilic in the second round at Wimbledon. The athlete expressed his disappointment with this loss and admitted that he was not satisfied with his performance on the grass courts. 'I've been really disappointed with the way my game's been on the grass this year, in all honesty… I wasn't feeling too great at Queen's. I don't know how I made the semis there and gave myself a chance of making the final,' Draper expressed back then. Draper also admitted that the grass courts highlighted his weaknesses as an athlete. He is aware that he is able to deliver great plays on the hard and the clay courts, but the grass courts are a difficulty that he needs to develop to become a better player. 'I want to feel like everything in my game is secure. I think that's what you see with the top guys. They're so consistent all the time because there's no holes in their game… In some ways that's exciting, and in some ways that's hard to deal with because I thought I was ahead of where I was,' the athlete declared. Read more here. Regardless of his challenges in the past competitions this season, Jack Draper is now preparing for the US Open, having reached the semi-finals last year. Moreover, Jannik Sinner will return to defend his title, where he won last year with a final scoreline of 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 over Alcaraz. Carlos Alcaraz will also be back to compete, alongside the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion, Novak Djokovic. With his strong comeback, Jannik Sinner has won both the Australian Open and Wimbledon this season, but Alcaraz got ahead of Sinner at this year's French Open. T heir showdown for this tournament could be much anticipated by the fans, given that both athletes have been butting heads this year. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kings of tennis return to Riyadh
RIYADH, Aug 7: The announcement by Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, about the second edition of the "Six Kings Slam" tournament as part of Riyadh Season has generated excitement worldwide. Tennis fans will once again turn their eyes to Saudi Arabia's capital, which is gearing up to host one of the sport's premier events from October 15 to 18. The tournament will feature some of the world's top-ranked players according to the latest ATP standings. Last year's tournament made history when Jannik Sinner, currently ranked No. 1 and the Australian Open champion, defeated Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final. This year, the lineup is even more impressive, with tennis legend Novak Djokovic joining the competition. The Serbian star boasts 24 Grand Slam singles titles. The field will also welcome three newcomers making their tournament debuts: Germany's Alexander Zverev, Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist; Britain's Jack Draper; and America's Taylor Fritz.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
British No 1 Jack Draper joins Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic in signing up for mega-money Six Kings Slam - with controversial Saudi event returning for a second year
Jack Draper is set to cash in this October after being confirmed as one of the six players for the second edition of the lucrative Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. The British No 1 will line up alongside tennis royalty – including world No 1 Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon finalist Carlos Alcaraz and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic – for the controversial event in Riyadh, which will again offer eye-watering appearance fees and the biggest individual winner's prize in tennis history. The tournament, staged at the ANB Arena as part of Riyadh Season, runs from October 15–18 and is officially classed as an exhibition, meaning no ATP ranking points will be awarded. But with players guaranteed a minimum of £1.12million simply for taking part – and the winner banking a staggering £4.5m – it's little wonder the event has drawn big names despite its unofficial status. Draper, 23, will make his debut at the event amid a breakout year that has seen him rise to world No 5, win Indian Wells, and finish runner-up in Madrid. He is one of three new faces in this year's line-up, alongside fellow debutants Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev, with last year's participants Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune not returning. Italy's Sinner returns to defend the crown he won last year by beating Alcaraz in the final, while Djokovic – who missed the inaugural event – adds further star power. The promo campaign for the 2025 edition leaves no doubt about the organisers' ambitions. A striking poster features the six competitors in icy blue tones, each wearing a golden crown and gazing stoically ahead like Renaissance sculptures. Their shirts and skin are daubed with colourful graffiti and cryptic symbols, all beneath the bold tagline: 'Still Kings. Never Still.' Last year's edition also made headlines off the court when Neymar appeared as a guest — only to be loudly booed by fans inside the purpose-built arena. Chants of 'Ronaldo! Ronaldo!' rang out in favour of Cristiano, who remains a national icon in Saudi Arabia after joining Al-Nassr. The Brazilian was seen chatting courtside with Nadal, but the reception was far frostier than expected. Though popular with players, the tournament has not been without its critics. Andy Murray spoke out last year, branding it a glorified 'exhibition' and declaring: 'Nobody cares.' The former world No 1 also questioned its sporting value given the absence of ranking points and the event's ultra-commercial tone. Still, the Six Kings Slam is pushing ahead with a heavy marketing blitz. Last year's cinematic five-minute launch film placed the stars in stylised historical scenes – from Alcaraz battling a robot in the desert to Sinner sculpting a marble statue – earning comparisons to Hollywood trailers and attracting attention well beyond the tennis world.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz part of strong field as Six Kings Slam returns to Riyadh
RIYADH: Six Kings Slam is set to return this year as part of the opening week of Riyadh Season 2025 in October, with all six of the current Men's PIF ATP-ranked players confirmed to compete. Having recently secured his first Wimbledon title just last month, Jannik Sinner will return to Riyadh to defend his Six Kings Slam title when it gets underway, with the second edition of the tournament set to commence on Oct. 15 and the final being staged on Oct. 18. ANB Arena will play host once again, where last October the World No. 1 came from a set down in a thrilling encounter to overcome five-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, and win the inaugural tournament. The current top two players in the world, both confirmed to play in Saudi Arabia's capital again this year, have since won all three of this year's Grand Slams between them so far, with Sinner taking the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles and Alcaraz claiming victory at Roland Garros. Last October's Six Kings Slam was also memorable for staging the match of the great sporting rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal before the Spaniard's retirement, with Djokovic triumphing in their third-place match 6-2, 7-6. The record 24-time men's singles Grand Slam champion Djokovic, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, will return this year as he bids to claim his first Six Kings Slam trophy, while making their first appearances at the Riyadh showpiece this year will be three-time Grand Slam finalist Alexander Zverev, 2024 US Open finalist Taylor Fritz and Great Britain's World No. 5 Jack Draper. Full lineup based on PIF ATP Ranking order: For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Leaders
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Eats & Beats 2025 Offers Special Night in VIA Riyadh
Eats & Beats 2025 returned to VIA Riyadh on Feb. 20, with unmissable opportunities and experiences, according to Arab News. The event offered a special night full of world-class dining, live performances, immersive entertainment and an unforgettable culinary experience. Entertaining Activities The event featured over 30 live performers, such as DJs, bands, fire dancers and aerial artists. Interactive fun In order to ensure immersive excitement, the night boasted stilt walkers, LED dancers and various surprise acts. A feast of flavors Eats & Beats 2025 Visitors enjoyed delicious signature dishes for instance spicy camel kebab, classic Italian penne and Raoul's beef slider through four renowned restaurants including Spago, Raoul's, Scott's and Madeo. Live cooking For food enthusiasts, they enjoyed live cooking stations where chefs prepare gourmet dishes on the spot. Moreover, they were offered a dessert cart with artisanal ice creams and indulgent sweets. A sweet escape The event offered a wide range of irresistible confections, from salted caramel cookies and pistachio craquelin to rich chocolate fondant. Related Topics: Hip-Hop Heavyweights 21 Savage, Wiz Khalifa & More to Ignite Jeddah's Balad Beast 2025 Sinner Beats Alcaraz, Djokovic Edges Nadal in Riyadh Season's 'Six Kings Slam' Kokub by MDLBeast: A Cosmic Sonic Adventure in the Heart of AlUla Akon, Lil Baby to Lead MDLBEAST at Formula E Prix Jeddah 2025 Short link : Post Views: 5
