Six Kings Slam: what is it? Do Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic play? Time, date and how to see it | Tennis News

Rafael Nadal will make one of his last appearances before retiring from competition at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh alongside Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz – live on Sky Sports Tennis on Saturday.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion confirmed last week he would end his distinguished tennis career after playing for Spain at the Davis Cup final in Malaga next month.

Nadal previously played at the Six Kings Slam and will play against Djokovic one last time in the play-off for third place on Saturday at 5 p.m., live on TV Sky Sports Tennis. Sinner and Alcaraz will then continue their new rivalry in the final at around 7 p.m.

Nadal and Djokovic: “It is impossible to be friends – but not enemies”

When asked how he was able to be friends with Roger Federer during and after his career, Nadal also mentioned Djokovic by name. The 22-time Grand Slam champion said he believes he can get along with his rivals because they share similar values.

“Of course it was something special with Roger, but I also have a good relationship with Novak,” he said. “It’s the way you approach the sport.

“I think it's possible because in the end we understand that it's just a game. There are many other important things in life besides tennis.”

“At the end of the day, in my experience, if you have a good relationship with your colleagues, with the people around you or with people in general, you will undoubtedly be happier. So in the end.” “Tennis is just a game, relationships go beyond that.”

Djokovic has said on a number of occasions that it was “impossible” for him to be friends with Nadal because their rivalry was so competitive, but says they were “never enemies”.

“Even with him (Nadal), friendship is impossible. “I always respected him and admired him very much,” said Djokovic Corriere Della Sera.

“We were never friends. This is not possible between rivals, but we have never been enemies.”

What is the Six Kings Slam?

The Six Kings Slam is a three-day exhibition tennis tournament in which six well-known players take part.

It will take place from October 16 to 19, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

As this is a non-ATP sanctioned event, players will not receive ranking points.

Each of the six entrants will be guaranteed a minimum prize of £1.12 million, with the winner taking home the biggest prize in tennis history at £4.6 million – almost double the prize money for a Grand Slam champion.

Six Kings Slam schedule and results

Wednesday: Jannik Sinner against Daniil Medvedev 6:0, 6:3, Carlos Alcaraz against Holger Rune 6:4, 6:2.

Thursday: Jannik Sinner defeated 6-2, 6-7 (0-7), 6-4, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-3.

Saturday: Novak Djokovic against Rafael Nadal at 5 p.m. (third place match), Jannik Sinner against Carlos Alcaraz at 7 p.m. (final).

Is this Nadal's last appearance?

Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles including 14 at the French Open, announced his impending retirement in an emotional video message last week.

The 38-year-old will celebrate an emotional end to his illustrious career at the Davis Cup final in Malaga next month, but before that he will face Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam.

Nadal lost in straight sets to Alcaraz in the semifinals and Djokovic was beaten in an entertaining three-set match by Sinner in the other final four games.

What's coming up on Sky Sports Tennis this month?

• Almaty Open, Kazakhstan – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
• Stockholm Open, Sweden – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
• European Open, Antwerp – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
• Japan Open, Osaka – WTA 250 (October 14-20)
• Ningbo Open, China – WTA 500 (October 14-20)
• Erste Bank Open, Vienna – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
• Swiss Indoors, Basel – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
• Guangzhou Open, China – WTA 250 (October 21-27)
• Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis, Tokyo – WTA 500 (October 21-27)

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