Carlos Alcaraz World No 1 Endorses Six Kings Slam Exhibition as a Welcome Break from ATP Tour Demands
Carlos Alcaraz has publicly endorsed the Six Kings Slam exhibition event, highlighting its value as a reprieve from the rigorous demands of the ATP Tour. This endorsement comes after the world No. 1 had previously mentioned the possibility of skipping official events to prioritize his health, particularly amid concerns about a congested schedule.
Concerns Over ATP Tour Scheduling
The ATP and WTA tours span 11 months and feature extended tournament formats, leading to increased scrutiny, especially during the current Asian swing. Extreme heat and humidity have resulted in a notable rise in player injuries and withdrawals. In March, the Professional Tennis Players’ Association filed a lawsuit against the sport’s governing bodies, labeling the current scheduling as “unsustainable.”
Alcaraz’s Recent Challenges
After recently securing the Tokyo title while dealing with an ankle injury, Alcaraz opted out of the Shanghai event for recovery. Despite facing backlash for participating in the Six Kings Slam—a lucrative exhibition with a reported $1.5 million in appearance fees and a $6 million winner’s prize—he defended his choice. “It’s a different format. The mental and physical demands are much lower than those of official tournaments,” Alcaraz stated.
Player Participation and Earnings
The exhibition has attracted several top players, including last year’s champion Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Notably, Zverev reportedly earned around $431 per second during his 59-minute match against Fritz, a significant sum compared to his runner-up earnings at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Prize Money Comparison
- US Open: £3.8 million
- Australian Open: £3.5 million
- Wimbledon: £3 million
- French Open: £2.2 million
Alcaraz’s Off-Court Activities
Beyond tennis, Alcaraz recently indulged his passion for golf by participating in the Open de España Pro-Am alongside Ryder Cup stars Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry. He expressed excitement about the experience, noting, “It was great learning from them and realizing how much I need to improve my own game.”
As Alcaraz balances his competitive schedule and personal interests, he continues to navigate the pressures of elite sports while advocating for the importance of health and well-being in the demanding landscape of professional tennis.
