Sinner returns to Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia

World number one Jannik Sinner of Italy had announced that he would end his 2026 season early due to a knee injury. However, organizers said on Monday that Sinner will take part in the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, which will be played from December 27 to 30.

The tournament was postponed from October 21 to 24 citing security concerns over attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen. An attack on Riyadh International Airport killed 13 people. The incident also raised questions about the country's capacity to host major sporting events.

Sinner has not played since winning Wimbledon for the second time in July. Earlier this month, the Italian announced he would not take part in the remaining European indoor tournaments of the season or the ATP Finals, which he has won in each of the last two years. The exhibition event does not award ATP ranking points, but it offers Sinner an important opportunity to test his form against top rivals before the 2027 season.

The tournament is considered one of the most lucrative exhibition events in the world. Sinner won the first two editions, in 2024 and 2025, beating Spanish rival Carlos Alcaraz in both finals and earning $6 million each time. Alongside Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur will also be on the court in the new season.

Sinner's priority in the long term is seen as entering the Australian Open, which begins in January, with adequate physical preparation.