The Six Kings Slam got underway yesterday, with routine victories for both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
That was always expected to be the case, with the tournament organisers likely always hoping that the results would go as they did.
After all, it now sets up two mouth-watering semi-final clashes for fans to enjoy later today.
The first will see a repeat of the Shanghai Masters final with Sinner and Novak Djokovic, which many will expect the Italian to triumph in.
However, the second, and far more intriguing match-up, is an all-Spanish affair between Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal.
Carlos Alcaraz previews Six Kings Slam match vs Rafael Nadal
Although once again youth will be expected to prevail, it will be a conflicting one from Alcaraz’s point of view.
After all, no longer is he desperate to prove himself as a potential successor to the 38-year-old, having already amassed four Grand Slam titles and counting at just 21 years of age.
Instead, he will be facing a Nadal who has just announced his plans to retire next month, and who he will likely play alongside in the Davis Cup Finals.
Some might accuse the youngster of perhaps going easy on his legendary compatriot, but he has sought to assuage such fears, telling Sky Sports last night: ‘I saw him not practising. I saw him in the hotel for a bit. I could talk with him. Apart from tennis, I could talk with him a little bit about life. But I had my time with him here.
‘I am going to go full power! I’m not surprised he is practising at 100%, hitting the ball super hard and feeling the ball really well. I am not surprised at all because I know the player he is, the legend that he is. It doesn’t matter that he has stayed away from tennis for three or four months. He is going to come back as strong as ever before. I am going to try and play good tennis to beat him. I am going to go full without fear.’
How much money could Carlos Alcaraz win from the Six Kings Slam?
It’s actually mind-boggling trying to comprehend the fees that these six superstars are set to amass from playing at the very most three tennis matches.
Danill Medvedev’s payment for his swift defeat at Sinner’s hands has already been circulating, with the Russian easily beaten, 6-0, 6-3, in just one hour and nine minutes.
His $1.5m equates to $21,739 per minute, and $362 per second. Incredible.
Should Alcaraz go on to win the whole thing, on top of that $1.5m gained for simply taking part, he will also take home a further $6m, the largest pay cheque in tennis history.
So, whilst this may just be a silly little exhibition tournament, there’s certainly reason to give it their all.
Here’s all the prize money for the Six Kings Slam explained in greater detail.
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