Sports · Tennis · 7 hrs ago
Security concerns cloud Six Kings Slam ahead of Riyadh event
The Six Kings Slam is scheduled to begin in Riyadh on October 21, with six leading men’s players due to take part.
The Saudi exhibition offers each player a $1.5 million appearance fee, even for playing one match.
A recent attack on the international airport killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to the story.
The airport has been closed, and a notice says it is scheduled to remain closed until October 17.
Players are expected to arrive a couple of days before the event, but security concerns and travel warnings have cast doubt on their plans.
Former world No.
1 Andy Roddick said he would not attend because he did not think the money justified the risk.
No decision from the players’ camps has been announced, so it remains unclear whether the event will go ahead as planned.
The Six Kings Slam is scheduled to begin in Riyadh on October 21, but security concerns following attacks in Saudi Arabia have cast doubt on the event.
The exhibition is set to feature Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur and Learner Tien.
Each player is due to receive a $1.5 million appearance fee.
King Khalid International Airport was closed after attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi movement, and a notice said it was scheduled to remain closed until October 17.
Former world No 1 Andy Roddick said he would not travel to the event, while the article reported no decision from the camps of Alcaraz, Djokovic or Zverev.
- Who
- Six Kings Slam organisers and the six scheduled players: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur and Learner Tien.
- What
- Security concerns have cast doubt on whether the Riyadh exhibition will go ahead as planned.
- When
- The event is set to begin on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Attacks in Saudi Arabia led to the closure of King Khalid International Airport and prompted concerns about the safety of travel to Riyadh.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Militants struck the international airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 300.
A Notice to Airmen said King Khalid International Airport was scheduled to remain closed until 21:00 GMT on October 17.
Players are due to arrive in Riyadh for preparation and pre-event activities.
The Six Kings Slam is scheduled to begin.
- Scheduled players
- Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur and Learner Tien
- Appearance fee
- $1.5 million per competitor
- Event start
- October 21, 2026
- Airport
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- Airport closure end
- Scheduled for 21:00 GMT on October 17, 2026
1 source
Related
Zizou Bergs defeats Carlos Alcaraz to reach Shanghai Masters fourth round
5 hrs ago · 8 sources
UN condemns racist abuse aimed at Coco Gauff after China Open match
6 hrs ago · 5 sources
Zverev beats Bublik to reach Shanghai quarter-finals despite ankle issue
8 hrs ago · 10 sources
Alexander Zverev guaranteed to finish 2026 as year-end world No. 1
9 hrs ago · 10 sources
What people are saying
If I was in this thing, I wouldn’t even go near it.
I absolutely, 1000% would not be going.