Jannik Sinner has landed in Saudi Arabia, starting with the Six Kings Slam

Holiday over: time to get back on the court. Jannik Sinner landed this evening in Riyadh, where starting Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Italian time (live exclusively on Netflix) he will take part in the Six Kings Slam, a prestigious exhibition that brings together some of the world’s best players. The No. 2 ranking player, who was forced to retire in Shanghai due to cramps, took advantage of a few days of well-deserved rest before resuming preparation with Simone Vagnozzi. Starting with the Vienna tournament, scheduled for Oct. 20, Darren Cahill will also return to join the team.

Next to the Italian coach is Alejandro Resnicoff, an Argentine physiotherapist who recently joined Sinner’s staff: a significant choice, confirming the South Tyrolean tennis player’s focus on physical care after recent muscle problems. The cramping episode in China, in fact, had irritated him in no small measure, not least because of the long forced three-month break due to his suspension with WADA.

In Riyadh, where he emerged as champion last year, Sinner will make his debut against Stefanos Tsitsipas. If he wins, he will be joined in the semifinals by Novak Djokovic, still struggling with a few aches and pains after the Chinese Masters 1000, where he was stopped in the semifinals by the surprising Valentin Vacherot, Monegasque world number 204. The Serb, struggling with muscle aches and back and stomach problems, is now looking for the right rhythm.

Direct entry into the semifinals also for Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from his Tokyo title and missed commitment in Shanghai, who was chosen to regain energy. The world No. 1 allowed himself a few days of relaxation between home and golf, also participating in the Pro-Am of the Spanish Open along with Jon Rahm, and has already confirmed his presence at the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna from Nov. 18.

Completing the Six Kings Slam slate will be Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev, set to compete in the quarterfinals. Up for grabs is a total prize pool of $1.5 million, with a $6 million prize for the winner: more than an exhibition, a luxury match between world tennis kings.