RIYADH — British tennis sensation Jack Draper is set for a career-defining payday after being confirmed as one of the star attractions at this year’s Six Kings Slam, a high-profile exhibition event in Saudi Arabia featuring six of the world’s top male players. The 22-year-old, who recently broke into the ATP top 30, will join a star-studded lineup including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be one of the most lucrative tournaments of the year.
The Six Kings Slam, scheduled for October in Riyadh, marks Saudi Arabia’s latest foray into elite tennis, following its hosting of the Next Gen ATP Finals and rumors of a potential WTA Finals relocation. Draper’s inclusion is a testament to his rapid rise, with the left-hander securing his maiden ATP title in Stuttgart earlier this year and delivering strong performances at Wimbledon and the US Open. Tournament organizers have touted the event as a "groundbreaking showcase of tennis excellence in the region."
A Career-Defining Opportunity
For Draper, the invitation represents more than just a financial windfall—it’s a chance to test his skills against the sport’s biggest names. "To share the court with legends like Rafa and Novak is surreal," Draper said in a recent interview. "This is exactly the kind of challenge I’ve been working toward." The tournament’s reported $6 million prize pool, with each participant guaranteed at least $1 million, underscores its prestige.
The event’s format will feature a round-robin stage followed by knockout matches, with all matches played under floodlights at the state-of-the-art King Saud University Stadium. Saudi officials have emphasized their commitment to growing tennis in the region, with Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal stating, "The Six Kings Slam aligns with our Vision 2030 goals to bring world-class sporting events to Saudi Arabia."
The Controversy and the Cash
While the tournament promises glamour, it hasn’t been without criticism. Human rights groups have questioned Saudi Arabia’s "sportswashing" strategy, using high-profile events to divert attention from its human rights record. However, players have largely sidestepped the controversy, focusing instead on the competitive and financial incentives:
- Guaranteed payday: Each participant earns a minimum $1 million, with the winner taking home $2.5 million.
- No ranking points: The exhibition status means no ATP points are at stake, reducing pressure.
- Short format: A compact schedule allows players to participate without disrupting their ATP Tour commitments.
Draper, who has been vocal about the physical toll of the tennis calendar, welcomed the opportunity. "It’s a chance to play incredible tennis in a unique setting while also being financially rewarded," he said. "As athletes, we have a short window to maximize our earnings, and this event offers that."
The Lineup: A Who’s Who of Tennis
The confirmed lineup for the Six Kings Slam reads like a Grand Slam final:
- Novak Djokovic (24-time Grand Slam champion)
- Rafael Nadal (22-time Grand Slam champion)
- Carlos Alcaraz (2-time Grand Slam champion)
- Daniil Medvedev (2021 US Open champion)
- Jannik Sinner (2024 Australian Open champion)
- Jack Draper (Rising British star)
Draper’s inclusion alongside established champions highlights his potential. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman remarked, "Jack’s power game and fearless attitude make him a perfect fit for this stage. This could be the launchpad for his breakthrough into the top 10."
What’s Next for Draper?
After the Six Kings Slam, Draper will shift focus to the ATP Tour’s indoor season, with targets set on qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. His coach, James Trotman, emphasized balance: "We’re treating Saudi as a high-intensity training block. The money’s great, but Jack’s long-term goals remain Grand Slams and ranking milestones." With Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in tennis, this event may well become a staple—and for Draper, a career-defining moment.