World number one Sinner denies playing tennis in Saudi Arabia for money

Sinner hits a backhand at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in October 2024. Photo by Reuters

"I don't play for money. It's very simple. Of course it's a nice prize, but I went there because there was possibly the six best players in the world and you can measure yourself with them. It was also a nice event," Sinner said in an interview with Eurosport ahead of the Paris Masters on Oct. 28, about the record prize he received in Saudi Arabia last week.

According to Sinner, the feeling of competing with the best players and the legends, motivated him to participate in the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition tournament that took place from Oct. 16 to 19.

Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz to claim the title in Saudi Arabia. In addition to the $6.5 million prize money, he also received bonuses for registration and each match he played. In total, the Italian star took home around $9 million, almost his entire year's prize money.

Former world number one Andy Roddick admitted he was shocked by the amount of money Sinner and his colleagues pocketed during their three days in Saudi Arabia.

"It’s mind-blowing! Sinner’s three-day earnings are 25% of my entire career prize money," he told Eurosport.

Stan Wawrinka, former world number three, was skeptical of Sinner’s "not playing for money" claim, commenting a smiley face under the 23-year-old’s interview with Eurosport.

The Saudi Tennis Federation did not reveal specific prize money, but sources said that even Medvedev and Holger Rune walked away with at least $2 million each after just over an hour of play.

Nadal and Djokovic may have received additional bonuses for their reputations, in addition to their registration and match money. For Nadal, he was also given a 3 kg gold racket worth about $300,000 as a gift for his retirement.

More than a week after winning the Six Kings Slam, Sinner withdrew from the Paris Masters due to health problems.

"I came here very early to prepare and then I felt sick. I have a virus at the moment, which is gonna pass in the next two or three days. Body-wise, I am not able to compete," Sinner said in a video on social media.