Learner Tien speaks candidly about Jannik Sinner after missing out on the Six Kings Slam
Learner Tien was Jannik Sinner’s designated alternate for the Six Kings Slam, originally scheduled for October. After the high-stakes tournament in Riyadh was rescheduled for late December due to security concerns, Sinner was reinstated on the lineup, and Tien had to accept losing out on the Saudi event’s hefty entry prize (1.5 million euros).
It was almost a blow to the American tennis player, who, however, didn’t take it personally at all and instead sent his best wishes to the South Tyrolean: “I’m not surprised by Sinner’s inclusion; with the event postponed by two and a half months, he has time to catch up. I’m happy for him, and I can’t wait to see him back in competition.”
Tien has faced Sinner on two occasions—in Beijing in 2025 and at this year’s Indian Wells Masters 1000—and in both cases, the Italian prevailed in two sets.
The Six Kings Slam, originally scheduled for October 21–24 on the hard courts of Riyadh, was postponed due to the delicate geopolitical situation in the Middle East and rescheduled for December 27–30. Sinner, the winner of the last two editions—both of which came after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the finals—had initially withdrawn from the tournament due to a knee injury that forced him to end the 2026 season early.
The winner will take home $6 million, while each participant receives a $1.5 million appearance fee; the event will be broadcast live on Netflix. For the South Tyrolean, the exhibition—which does not award ATP ranking points—serves as a first test of his physical condition ahead of the Australian Open in January.
