6 Kings Event?

[AAATSportingGoods]

How do you guys think the 6 kings are treating this event? Do you think they're going 100% or are they going to make it interesting for Rafa? Apparently the prize money is really solid, more than the slams so theres some incentive.

 

[The Green Mile]

Doesn't the winner get something like six million dollars? Rafa and Novak were immediately thrown into the SFs lol, I don't think Rafa needs anymore goodwill here, I'd bet Carlos takes it as serious as a normal match. 6/2 6/3.

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

Doesn't the winner get something like six million dollars? Rafa and Novak were immediately thrown into the SFs lol, I don't think Rafa needs anymore goodwill here, I'd bet Carlos takes

Smart move by KSA. Higher prize than any Slam and much higher winnings for the winner. Money talks.
If the winner is getting much more than the loser, Sinner and Djoker will be giving full effort. No less effort than playing Wimbledon.
Don't care who you are. $6 million is nothing to sneeze at.

 

[AAATSportingGoods]

Doesn't the winner get something like six million dollars? Rafa and Novak were immediately thrown into the SFs lol, I don't think Rafa needs anymore goodwill here, I'd bet Carlos takes it as serious as a normal match. 6/2 6/3.

You dont think theyre trying to set up another Rafa vs Novak match? I can see Med/Rune taking it seriously for different reasons. I feel like Carlos is always having fun out there, always trying to win. How about Novak/Rafa? I would think 6m isnt much for them?

 

[AAATSportingGoods]

Smart move by KSA. Higher prize than any Slam. Money talks.
If the winner is getting much more than the loser, Sinner and Djoker will be giving full effort. No different than playing Wimbledon.
Don't care who you are. $6 million is nothing to sneeze at.

Whos KSA? I think they all get 1.5mil just for being there.

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

Whos KSA? I think they all get 1.5mil just for being there.

They all get a nice big fat million dollar appearance fee from the KSA (Kingdom Saudi Arabia).
But there is a big difference between $6 million for the winner and whatever the loser gets.
Who wouldn't give full effort for $6 million? Don't be ridiculous.

 

[NeutralFan]

They all get a nice big fat million dollar appearance fee from the KSA (Kingdom Saudi Arabia).
But there is a big difference between $6 million for the winner and whatever the loser gets.
Who wouldn't give full effort for $6 million? Don't be ridiculous.

Yes son 2-4 million dollar is going to make huge diffence in Novak's bank balance that he's going to kill himself on the saudi court.

 

[Lleytonstation]

You dont think theyre trying to set up another Rafa vs Novak match? I can see Med/Rune taking it seriously for different reasons. I feel like Carlos is always having fun out there, always trying to win. How about Novak/Rafa? I would think 6m isnt much for them?

I do not think anyone wants to be a part of a Djoker Rafa match if Rafa is still in the same form. That match was on his fav court, so not going to happen.

 

[NeutralFan]

I do not think anyone wants to be a part of a Djoker Rafa match if Rafa is still in the same form. That match was on his fav court, so not going to happen.

I think tennis need to be changed asap, meaningless masters should be reduced with a few more slams. What's the point of having countless masters and 500 when majority of fans care for is slams? Add two slams in Asia.

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

Yes son 2-4 million dollar is going to make diffence in Novak's bank balance that he's going to kill himself on the saudi court.

$6 million for a 90 minute match is nothing to sneeze at. Don't care who you are.
Worldwide viewing event. Historic first in KSA. Djoker is a champion with pride. Nobody likes to lose in this spotlight.

 

[NeutralFan]

$6 million for a 90 minute match is nothing to sneeze at. Don't care who you are.
Worldwide event. Historic first in KSA. Djoker is a champion with pride. Nobody likes to lose in this spotlight.

It's a big money for us but i doubt it's something that motivates Novak at this time of career, he will take it as exhibition lol. Lmao there's no pride in losing or winning exhibition

 

[Lleytonstation]

Yes son 2-4 million dollar is going to make diffence in Novak's bank balance that he's going to kill himself on the saudi court.

Yeah, 6 million is a lot to many people.

According to net worth it would increase Rafa and Djokers net worth by about 2%. So sure, they will try, but doubt the money is a massive incentive.

For Carlos: 10% increase.
Sinner: 23% increase.
Med: 24% increase.
Rune: 100% increase... lol

 

[Lleytonstation]

I think tennis need to be changed asap, meaningless masters should be reduced with a few more slams. What's the point of having countless masters and 500 when majority of fans care for is slams? Add two slams in Asia.

Your comment had me...

Yes, changes need to happen. Everything outside of slams is losing significance. That said, adding 2 slams would create a new era of tennis as it would change everything including records. If they do... not Asia. I would prefer Germany, Spain, South Africa, Brazil, or somewhere else first.

 

[NeutralFan]

Yeah, 6 million is a lot to many people.

According to net worth it would increase Rafa and Djokers net worth by about 2%. So sure, they will try, but doubt the money is a massive incentive.

For Carlos: 10% increase.
Sinner: 23% increase.
Med: 24% increase.
Rune: 100% increase... lol

6 is a winning prize and there would be appearance prize, knowing you gotta play young legends at 37 and then try killing yourself for extra 3-4 million ? I doubt it. If it was 20-30 million prize on line like the boxers have then i understand it perfectly.

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

It's a big money for us but i doubt it's something that motivates Novak at this time of career, he will take it as exhibition lol. Lmao there's no pride in losing or winning exhibition

The fat appearance fee is the only reason The Djoker showed up in the first place. So yes, money motivates him.
If there is also a large differential between the winner and the loser that will also likewise motivate him.

The KSA would have been wise to make it a $10 million winner-take-all final to guarantee intensity.

 

[NeutralFan]

Your comment had me...

Yes, changes need to happen. Everything outside of slams is losing significance. That said, adding 2 slams would create a new era of tennis as it would change everything including records. If they do... not Asia. I would prefer Germany, Spain, South Africa, Brazil, or somewhere else first.

I was against this change but ask yourself even as ardent fans of tennis do we really care about masters? Nope! Why these meaningless tournament should be countless when they add no intrest to tennis fans and to player's legacy?

 

[Lleytonstation]

I was against this change but ask yourself even as ardent fans of tennis do we really care about masters? Nope! Why these meaningless tournament should be countless when they add no intrest to tennis fans and to player's legacy?

I used to. The big 3 ruined it. I guess we cant go back now. Maybe if we have a big 3 again and we get another race. But even with 2 I think it will be tough.

 

[NeutralFan]

I used to. The big 3 ruined it. I guess we cant go back now. Maybe if we have a big 3 again and we get another race. But even with 2 I think it will be tough.

Even during Pete's time people didn't talk about how many masters pete won but his 10+ slams and being near record ( when he was playing) make tennis season like formula one with all events having same points and prestige .

 

[Lleytonstation]

Even during Pete's time people didn't talk about how many masters pete won but his 10+ slams and being near record ( when he was playing) make tennis season like formula one with all events having same points and prestige .

Very true, so I guess I should revise my statement. The big 3 made it relevant and then destroyed it all in like a decade.

We would need another big 3 or big 4 to make those relevant again. Even number one seems to matter less. Sinner does not get much respect from it, and doing well in masters is a huge part of it.

 

[thrust]

When I think of what the old pro tour players had to deal with to make small sums of money, exhibitions like this Saudi joke and Laver Cup throwing money at already rich players, is obscene.

 

[RSJfan]

After the KSA does a full debrief of this event do you see defenestration for the visionary behind it. Or do you think it will be viewed as a success. Maybe it’s premature to ask before we see what happens with Vamos.

 

[NeutralFan]

Very true, so I guess I should revise my statement. The big 3 made it relevant and then destroyed it all in like a decade.

We would need another big 3 or big 4 to make those relevant again. Even number one seems to matter less. Sinner does not get much respect from it, and doing well in masters is a huge part of it.

I don't care about number 1. You can he number one with one slam and number 2 with 3 slams. Number one will have more meaningful if they make grandprix season like F1 and then reward all events equally. Here slams are 10000 times more prestigious but have only 1000 points more than a slam.

 

[AAATSportingGoods]

How do yall think this event compares to team events like the laver cup or even davis cup?

 

[Lleytonstation]

How do yall think this event compares to team events like the laver cup or even davis cup?

Completely unique and interesting. Atp finals is the only thing close to it and even that has round Robin.

 

[The Green Mile]

You dont think theyre trying to set up another Rafa vs Novak match? I can see Med/Rune taking it seriously for different reasons. I feel like Carlos is always having fun out there, always trying to win. How about Novak/Rafa? I would think 6m isnt much for them?

Well, looks like they're playing for 3rd. Interesting hearing Rafa at the net after today's game, commenting on an easy 1.5 mil lol, looks like he's not too worried about the result XD

 

[Incognito]

How do you guys think the 6 kings are treating this event? Do you think they're going 100% or are they going to make it interesting for Rafa? Apparently the prize money is really solid, more than the slams so theres some incentive.

Carlos took it easy with Rafa. He could have double bageled him if he wanted to. Carlos was a different player against Rune. Rafa looked like an old man out there. But wow, I was happy to see both at the same time on court.

The other matches were played like any regular atp match.

Expect Carlos and Sinner to play like their lives depended on it on Saturday.

 

[chjtennis]

Everyone is getting paid like slam winners, and the winner will take home more money than 2 slam winners. Plenty of motivation for players to play their best tennis and secure the invitation for next year.

 

[StefanosRespecter]

Of course they are taking it seriously. There is alot of money on the line, and who would go all the way to Saudi Arabia to not try?

 

[ChrisJR3264]

Of course they are taking it seriously. There is alot of money on the line, and who would go all the way to Saudi Arabia to not try?

Well medvedev is hurt. So losing = 1.5 mm.
Winning = 6 mm.

To make 1.5 mm at a grand slam don’t you have to make finals - win 6 BO5 set matches?

 

[AAATSportingGoods]

would yall rather go to the six king slam finals or see rafa at davis cup?

 

[Lleytonstation]

would yall rather go to the six king slam finals or see rafa at davis cup?

Davis Cup without a doubt.

 

[AAATSportingGoods]

Davis Cup without a doubt.

why is that? I feel like the competition at 6 king slam is way better, and then at the davis cup, rafa will likely play doubles which isnt what hes known for...and then you also get the alcaraz sinner battler at 6 king

 

[zakopinjo]

Rune and Medvedev each received 1.5 million dollars for 1 played match

Novak and Nadal 1.5 million for 2 matches played

Finalist 1.5 million for 3 matches played

Winner 7.5 million for 3 matches played

 

[insideguy]

No one gives a crap. Come on. Honestly to me it just comes across as sad. To me the tour after the US open is all pretty sad.

 

[Dunlop300g]

Rune and Medvedev each received 1.5 million dollars for 1 played match

Novak and Nadal 1.5 million for 2 matches played

Finalist 1.5 million for 3 matches played

Winner 7.5 million for 3 matches played

This is chump change for the KSA. They make this much and more with their Sovereign Wealth Fund in less than a second on the world markets. That they support tennis at the highest level ... Priceless!!

 

[Better_Call_Raul]

Of course they are taking it seriously. There is alot of money on the line, and who would go all the way to Saudi Arabia to not try?

Exhibition my foot! These guys were going all out. $6 million on the line. More than any slam.
The third set was intense. In a rare display of emotion, Sinner was about to smash his racquet.

Former pro Nikola, who usually hates exhibitions, confirms that it was some of the highest level of tennis of 2024.
Also says Djoker would be favored against anybody in the world right now except Sincaraz.

 

[Lleytonstation]

why is that? I feel like the competition at 6 king slam is way better, and then at the davis cup, rafa will likely play doubles which isnt what hes known for...and then you also get the alcaraz sinner battler at 6 king

Because Davis Cup means more and everyone there will be giving it 100%. 6 Kings feels like 75-90% effort.

That, and Djoker and Rafa will be there as well and it is the last real match Rafa will play. It just simply means more.

 

[ND-13]

Exhibition my foot! These guys were going all out. $6 million on the line. More than any slam.
The third set was intense. In a rare display of emotion, Sinner was about to smash his racquet.

Former pro Nikola, who usually hates exhibitions, confirms that it was some of the highest level of tennis of 2024.
Also says Djoker would be favored against anybody in the world right now except Sincaraz.

You are absolutely correct

Djokovic played his best. But Sinner is at a different level now

 

[JMR]

Completely unique and interesting. Atp finals is the only thing close to it and even that has round Robin.

The Six Kings Slam may be unique now, but as I've mentioned before, it's very similar to the Pepsi Grand Slam, a four-man tournament in the late 1970s. It was played in January and brought together the slam winners from the just-completed season. The format was two semifinals, the final, and a third-place match. Although probably originally designed as a big-money exhibition for the top guys, it earned some legitimacy, and its results are included in the official ATP head-to-head stats. I'm not sure whether the matches generated Grand Prix or computer ranking points.

The Pepsi Grand Slam is a good example of why lumping all "exhibitions" together is an unsound practice. You can have players on the court wearing headsets as they tap the ball back and forth while insulting each other and raising money for tsunami victims. You can have players trying out trick shots on courts that are half one surface and half another. Or you can have a mini-tournament in which winners and losers are clearly identified, thus providing a real competitive incentive for most participants.

The Pepsi Grand Slam had a meaningful impact on tennis history, IMO. Bjorn Borg won his very first match against Jimmy Connors in 1973, when Borg was 17 and neither he nor Jimbo had yet displayed their ATG levels. But after that, Connors won six matches in row, including two huge matches at the U.S. Open (SF and F). Borg seemed a little intimidated. What turned the tide was the 1977 Pepsi Grand Slam. Borg defeated Connors in a close three-set final. It was reported that Borg said to Connors at the handshake, "I get you finally." After that match, Borg bested Jimbo 13-2 in their head-to-head. Even the New York Times treated the match as serious, big-time tennis. https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/24/archives/borg-ends-dominance-by-connors.html.

All this doesn't prove that the Six Kings Slam is tennis history in the making, or that the result of the Sinner-Alcaraz final will exert a significant influence on their rivalry. But the possibility shouldn't be dismissed simply by applying the "exhibition" label.

 

[mattennis]

The Six Kings Slam may be unique now, but as I've mentioned before, it's very similar to the Pepsi Grand Slam, a four-man tournament in the late 1970s. It was played in January and brought together the slam winners from the just-completed season. The format was two semifinals, the final, and a third-place match. Although probably originally designed as a big-money exhibition for the top guys, it earned some legitimacy, and its results are included in the official ATP head-to-head stats. I'm not sure whether the matches generated Grand Prix or computer ranking points.

The Pepsi Grand Slam is a good example of why lumping all "exhibitions" together is an unsound practice. You can have players on the court wearing headsets as they tap the ball back and forth while insulting each other and raising money for tsunami victims. You can have players trying out trick shots on courts that are half one surface and half another. Or you can have a mini-tournament in which winners and losers are clearly identified, thus providing a real competitive incentive for most participants.

The Pepsi Grand Slam had a meaningful impact on tennis history, IMO. Bjorn Borg won his very first match against Jimmy Connors in 1973, when Borg was 17 and neither he nor Jimbo had yet displayed their ATG levels. But after that, Connors won six matches in row, including two huge matches at the U.S. Open (SF and F). Borg seemed a little intimidated. What turned the tide was the 1977 Pepsi Grand Slam. Borg defeated Connors in a close three-set final. It was reported that Borg said to Connors at the handshake, "I get you finally." After that match, Borg bested Jimbo 13-2 in their head-to-head. Even the New York Times treated the match as serious, big-time tennis. https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/24/archives/borg-ends-dominance-by-connors.html.

All this doesn't prove that the Six Kings Slam is tennis history in the making, or that the result of the Sinner-Alcaraz final will exert a significant influence on their rivalry. But the possibility shouldn't be dismissed simply by applying the "exhibition" label.

That was a great match: