Watch: Saudi awards pure gold racket to Jannik Sinner after beating Carlos Alcaraz

In a dazzling display of tennis prowess, Jannik Sinner, the world No. 2, triumphed at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The 24-year-old Italian defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory, securing his second consecutive title at the prestigious event. The match, which lasted just 73 minutes, not only showcased Sinner’s exceptional skill but also earned him a staggering $6 million, including $4.5 million in prize money and a $1.5 million participation fee. As a crowning glory, Sinner was awarded a full-size, solid gold racket valued at $250,000, symbolizing his excellence and remarkable achievements in the sport. The golden racket, crafted from pure gold, has become a hallmark of the Six Kings Slam, with Rafael Nadal receiving a similar accolade last year in recognition of his legendary career. Organized by Turki Al Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and adviser to the Royal Court, the three-day event featured six of the world’s top male tennis players and was streamed globally on Netflix. Although the results do not count toward ATP rankings or official head-to-head records, the tournament highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sports world. In his post-match interview, Sinner expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, ‘I wish I could play like this everywhere. It’s a huge pleasure and honor to share the court with Carlos.’ He also praised the passion of the Saudi audience and the improved facilities, expressing his eagerness to return to Riyadh in the future. Sinner’s victory underscores his rising dominance in tennis and Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a key player in the global sports arena.