The Six Kings Slam 2025 is generating massive buzz among tennis fans around the world. Set to take place from October 15 to 18, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this unique event brings together six of the sport’s biggest stars for a high-stakes exhibition unlike anything else on the calendar. With record-breaking prize money, global streaming through Netflix, and headline matchups that fans have been craving, this year’s edition promises drama, spectacle, and world-class tennis.
What Is the Six Kings Slam 2025
The Six Kings Slam is a non-ATP exhibition tournament featuring six elite male players competing over three competition days. Unlike standard tournaments, it’s invitation-only, offers no ATP ranking points, and is designed for entertainment and spectacle. What makes it stand out is its star-studded lineup, unique knockout format, and unprecedented prize money.
The tournament debuted in 2024 as part of Riyadh Season — Saudi Arabia’s major cultural and entertainment initiative — and quickly became one of the most talked-about events in tennis. Its success set the stage for the 2025 edition to grow even bigger.
This year’s tournament will be staged indoors at ANB Arena in Riyadh, ensuring fast-paced, controlled playing conditions that suit attacking styles. It’s a compact, made-for-streaming event designed to showcase blockbuster matchups over a short period.
Key Event Details
- Dates: October 15, 16, 18 (October 17 is a rest day)
- Venue: ANB Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Surface: Indoor hard court
- Format: Six-player knockout with two byes to semifinals
- Streaming: Global live coverage on Netflix
For tennis fans in the United States, this means matches will air in the morning and midday hours, making it easy to follow the action live.
A Look at the Six Kings Slam 2025 Lineup
The event’s name comes from the fact that six top players — referred to as “kings” — are invited each year. The 2025 lineup blends returning champions with new entrants, creating an intriguing field.
Confirmed players:
- Jannik Sinner – Defending champion and current world No. 1
- Carlos Alcaraz – Young superstar and 2024 Slam finalist
- Novak Djokovic – Legendary multiple-time major winner
- Alexander Zverev – Olympic gold medalist and top-ranked German player
- Taylor Fritz – Top American star and crowd favorite in the U.S.
- Stefanos Tsitsipas – Replacement for Jack Draper, who withdrew due to injury
Originally, Britain’s Jack Draper was slated to participate but was forced to withdraw following a season-ending arm injury. His spot was filled by Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, whose 2025 season has been marked by ups and downs, adding intrigue to his participation.
Tournament Format Explained
Unlike traditional tournaments with round-robin stages or large draws, the Six Kings Slam uses a straight knockout format spread across three match days:
- Quarterfinals – October 15
- Two quarterfinal matches:
- Jannik Sinner vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Taylor Fritz vs. Alexander Zverev
- Two quarterfinal matches:
- Semifinals – October 16
- Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic receive byes and will face the quarterfinal winners.
- Rest Day – October 17
- A scheduled break for media activities, recovery, and practice.
- Final & 3rd Place Match – October 18
- The semifinal winners compete for the championship.
- The semifinal losers meet in a third-place playoff.
This structure creates an action-packed event where every match is a marquee clash. With no ranking points on the line, players often play with more freedom, which can lead to spectacular rallies and risk-taking that isn’t always seen in regular tour events.
Massive Prize Money on Offer
One of the standout features of the Six Kings Slam 2025 is its financial structure. It offers some of the highest payouts in tennis history for a single event, despite being a non-ATP exhibition.
- Participation Fee: $1.5 million for each player
- Winner’s Bonus: $4.5 million additional prize
- Total for Champion: $6 million
This unprecedented prize structure guarantees every invited player a substantial payday, while the winner receives one of the largest single-event checks in the sport.
The huge financial stakes reflect both Saudi Arabia’s investment in global sporting events and the tournament’s strategy to attract top talent even during a crowded tennis calendar.
Global Streaming Through Netflix
One of the biggest developments for the 2025 edition is Netflix taking over global streaming rights. All matches will be available live to Netflix subscribers at no extra cost, marking a significant step in the streaming platform’s growing sports portfolio.
For U.S. fans, this is a game-changer. Rather than relying on traditional cable or tennis-specific platforms, the entire tournament can be accessed through a widely available streaming service. With matches played in the evening in Riyadh, they align with U.S. morning and midday times, making it easy for fans to watch live or on-demand.
This broadcasting shift is also being closely watched by the sports industry, as major streaming platforms continue to challenge traditional broadcasters for live sports rights.
Key Storylines Heading into Six Kings Slam 2025
Sinner’s Title Defense
Jannik Sinner comes into the tournament as the defending champion. His 2024 victory established him as the king of the exhibition’s first edition. In 2025, he enters as world No. 1, adding pressure but also excitement to his quarterfinal clash against Tsitsipas.
Djokovic vs. Alcaraz on Collision Course
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are placed in opposite halves of the draw, setting up the possibility of a blockbuster final between two of the game’s biggest names. Their rivalry has been one of the defining narratives of recent seasons.
Tsitsipas as the Wild Card
Replacing Draper, Stefanos Tsitsipas arrives as the tournament’s wildcard figure. His form has fluctuated throughout 2025, but exhibitions often bring out unexpected performances. A strong showing could boost his confidence heading into the late season.
Taylor Fritz Carrying U.S. Hopes
For American tennis fans, Taylor Fritz is the player to watch. His matchup against Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals has all the ingredients of a close, high-level battle. A win could set him up for a clash with Djokovic in the semifinals — a scenario U.S. audiences would eagerly follow.
Why Six Kings Slam 2025 Matters
Although it doesn’t affect rankings, this exhibition has quickly become one of the most influential non-tour events in tennis. Here’s why:
- Star Power: Fans get rare back-to-back matchups between top players, something not guaranteed in regular tournaments.
- Prize Incentives: The financial rewards attract elite talent, ensuring strong fields even during busy periods.
- Broadcast Innovation: Netflix’s involvement may shape future sports streaming models.
- Global Stage: The event showcases tennis to audiences beyond traditional markets, expanding the sport’s reach.
- Player Freedom: Without ranking pressure, players often experiment and entertain, making matches thrilling for spectators.
What U.S. Fans Can Expect
For viewers in the United States, Six Kings Slam 2025 is a morning tennis treat. Matches will air during convenient hours, and Netflix’s accessibility makes it easy for both casual fans and tennis die-hards to tune in.
U.S. interest is expected to center around Taylor Fritz, but with stars like Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner in action, the event is set to draw attention far beyond the usual tennis crowd.
Predictions and Anticipation
As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts are buzzing with predictions:
- Will Sinner successfully defend his title?
- Can Alcaraz or Djokovic claim the crown and the $6 million prize?
- Could Fritz pull off a surprise run on behalf of American fans?
- Will Tsitsipas disrupt expectations with an inspired performance?
Whatever happens, the combination of star players, money, and spectacle guarantees that Six Kings Slam 2025 will be one of the standout events of the year.
Final Thoughts
The Six Kings Slam 2025 is more than just an exhibition — it’s a celebration of tennis excellence, global streaming innovation, and star-driven entertainment. With massive prize money, a dream lineup, and U.S. streaming on Netflix, this tournament is set to deliver unforgettable moments. Share your predictions and favorite matchups in the comments below.