Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, crowned world number one Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner as the champion of the Six Kings Grand Slam tournament held as part of Riyadh Season, after he defeated world number two Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling match that ended with a score of 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3.
The exciting match drew the attention of thousands of tennis fans around the world and was filled with drama and challenges. Alcaraz unexpectedly faltered in the final set, leaving the court without scoring points, which led to Sinner's victory in this prestigious tournament.
The two stars concluded the three-day tournament held in The Avenue in Riyadh with emotional statements reflecting their strong friendship and rising rivalry on the tennis courts.
Alcaraz expressed his enjoyment of playing in Riyadh, stating, "I enjoyed every moment I played here; I feel that this court in Riyadh is my court. Unfortunately, I couldn't explore the city well due to the pressure of training and matches, but I will definitely return to get to know Riyadh up close. It has been a truly great experience, and I am honored to be here."
Regarding his competition with Sinner, he said, "Every match between us is special; he always pushes me to give my best. I try every day to find new ways to surpass him, and we help each other reach our highest levels. I hope this rivalry continues for a long time."
Sinner also expressed his happiness about participating in Riyadh, saying, "I would like to thank everyone for organizing this wonderful event. This was my first visit to Riyadh, and it was an amazing experience that I hope to repeat. We came here to show you the essence of this sport, and we gave our best on the court."
Speaking about his relationship with Alcaraz, Sinner said, "We are good friends and travel a lot together, and we love to share moments on the court. While we are fierce competitors, we always try to enjoy the matches we play. I hope this rivalry continues for as long as possible, even though there are many other players who can enter the scene, making the future exciting."
In a gesture of appreciation for tennis legend Rafael Nadal, Turki Al-Sheikh presented the Spanish star with a commemorative gift from Riyadh Season —a gold tennis racket— in recognition of his significant contributions over nearly two decades in professional tennis, during which he gained immense popularity in the sport.
