The 2024 Six Kings Slam may be an exhibition event, but that did not stop Jannik Sinner from getting nervous against Novak Djokovic.
Sinner has had a busy and successful season so far, but he still agreed to participate in the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. The incredible financial rewards for the players undoubtedly influenced that decision.
Whoever wins the exhibition event will receive the largest paycheck in tennis history: $6 million. That is a scarcely believable sum for whichever player manages to string three consecutive victories together in Saudi Arabia to become the champion.
Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune were the other players who signed up for the Six Kings Slam. Djokovic and Nadal received a bye into the semifinal.
Sinner played Daniil Medvedev in the opening quarterfinal on Wednesday and demolished the 2021 US Open champion to set up a meeting with Novak Djokovic, whom he played in the Shanghai Masters final less than a week ago.
It seemed like world No. 1 would triumph equally as comfortably against Djokovic after the first set, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion showed his infamous battling qualities by fighting back to take the second set in a tiebreak.
After an entertaining third set, Sinner managed to prevail 6-2, 6-7, 6-4. He lost his serve at 4-3 up but recovered impressively to win the final two games and confirm a place in the final against Alcaraz.
In a post-match interview, Sinner was asked how he managed not to panic after losing his serve at 4-3. The 23-year-old admitted that while he retained a calm exterior, he did panic somewhat on the inside.
"Well, maybe from the outside. From inside I was a little bit… It’s normal. This game can change so quickly. I had a couple of overheads, but he made some pretty good shots there. Just tried to reset as fast as possible."
"Usually, I’m quite calm. Today, I also got nervous. Sometimes I can’t handle myself when I’m a bit tired. It’s good I have another chance on Saturday. I might not be as fresh as possible, but I’ll try my best. We just try to make it a good show for all of you."
Sinner also expressed his excitement about playing Alcaraz on Saturday. The Spaniard has beaten him three times this year and is the only opponent to consistently beat the world No. 1 in 2024.
"I’m happy with how I handled the match. Let’s see what’s coming Saturday. Hopefully it’s gonna be a good one. That’s the reason we’re all here. All of us try to raise our level and try to play every point in the best way. We take it quite serious. Just trying to improve our game. Also for the next meetings. We know each other quite well."
Djokovic and Nadal will also likely meet for the final time on Saturday. That match and Alcaraz and Sinner's final mean it should be a thrilling day of action on the final day of the Six Kings Slam.