Tennis: Saudi Arabia postpones Six Kings Slam after Houthi attacks
Quick Look
- The Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia was postponed from its original October date to December 27-30 after the Houthi militia launched attacks on the country.
- The tournament does not offer any world ranking points, but high starting and victory bonuses.
- Games in the Saudi Pro League were also postponed due to the security situation.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports in recent years, including football, golf and motorsports. Yemen's Houthi militia repeatedly carries out attacks on Saudi territory, compromising the security of events.
The future world number one Alexander Zverev was also scheduled to take part in the highly prized competition, which was originally scheduled for October 21st to 24th in the kingdom. The tournament is now scheduled to take place from December 27th to 30th.
At the Six Kings Slam there are no world ranking points, no important title, no reputation to be won, but there is a lot of money with signing bonuses worth millions. The two-time champion Jannik Sinner, for example, received a $4.5 million prize bonus in 2025 in addition to $1.5 million entry fee.
In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has financed many sports and events and invested billions in contributions such as football, golf and motorsports. The conflict with the Houthi militia is also affecting sporting events in the desert state.
Most recently, the Saudi Pro League postponed three more games as a result of the attacks, including Al-Nassr's away game with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Ahli. The game planned for Thursday will now take place on March 6, 2027. The league confirmed this and referred to “logistical regulations”.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Six Kings Slam will take place as planned from December 27th to 30th.
Likely · Within weeks
Al-Nassr's match against Al-Ahli will take place on March 6, 2027.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What are the total costs of the postponement for organizers and participants?
- Will further sporting events in Saudi Arabia be postponed due to the security situation?
- How is the international tennis community reacting to the postponement of the Six Kings Slam?
