Jannik Sinner: The Six Kings Slam Is Also in Doubt

Jannik Sinner: Even the Six Kings Slam is in doubt. This is according to UbiTennis. “Zverev’s loss to Djokovic extends the Italian’s record, now expected to reach 95 weeks. Conservative treatment for his knee continues: Riyadh would be an opportunity to make a comeback, but caution might force him to pull out again,” the report states. The highly lucrative tournament will be held at the ANB Arena over three days: October 21, 22, and 24, 2026. The six announced participants are Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur.

A withdrawal from the Six Kings Slam would mark Sinner’s sixth consecutive absence; he has been sidelined since the Wimbledon final. Prior to Shanghai, the Italian had already skipped the tournaments in Montreal, Cincinnati, the U.S. Open, and Beijing. According to rumors reported by Punto de Break, the champion from Sesto has already informed the Saudi organizers that his participation is highly unlikely, urging them to consider a Plan B.

Complicating the situation further are reports that have surfaced in recent days regarding his physical condition. Il Corriere della Sera reported on a training session in Monte Carlo that ended early, with the two sparring partners from the Piatti Academy sent back to Bordighera after just forty minutes: “That’s enough, let’s go, I can’t do this,” Sinner reportedly said. Videos of his on-court training sessions have reportedly stopped circulating on social media, and the Italian Tennis Federation itself—which has provided doctors and resources—is said to be concerned. In recent days, the Italian player also traveled to Lyon for a consultation with a renowned surgeon.

The problem remains the same: extra-articular tendon inflammation in his right knee—a condition that isn’t serious but requires a long recovery, with real risks of relapse and chronicity. As Sky journalist Angelo Mangiante explained, the approach chosen by Sinner’s team “remains the same: one of caution, to minimize the margin of risk. No to rushed comebacks. The focus is on the next decade, not the next tournament.”

There’s no shortage of controversy regarding communication. Journalist Fulvio Giuliani defended the Italian player on LinkedIn, acknowledging that “transparency is needed” but pointing the finger at those who take advantage of Sinner’s silence to attack him: “There’s a broad cross-section of commentators who were just waiting for this. The compulsive need to bring down those who are too high up is just a schoolyard mentality disguised as professional ethics.” Angelo Mangiante is on the same page; on X, he pointed out that Sinner will remain number one at least until November 1 and for at least 95 weeks in total, urging everyone to give him “time to make a calm comeback.”

Also worth noting is the controversy surrounding the draw for the Saudi tournament: despite Sinner having won the last two editions of the Six Kings Slam, the organizers placed him in the preliminary round against Alex de Minaur, while Djokovic and Alcaraz start directly in the semifinals. This decision sparked indignant reactions from many fans on social media, who are convinced that the defending champion deserved different treatment, especially during such a delicate phase of his season.