Jack Draper’s Injury and the Six Kings Slam
British tennis player Jack Draper has cut his 2025 season short due to injury, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming Six Kings Slam. This prestigious exhibition tournament will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 15 to 18, shortly after the Shanghai Masters. Originally launched in 2024, the Six Kings Slam has become notable for its generous prize pool of $13.5 million, with a staggering $6 million awarded to the tournament champion, marking the highest prize for any tennis player to date.
Event Details and Lineup
Promoted by Saudi sports official Turki Alalshikh, the tournament features some of the top names in professional tennis, as represented by the initial lineup that includes stars such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Novak Djokovic. Alalshikh announced the event back in July, creating a lot of anticipation for its return this year.
Potential Replacements for Draper
Draper’s unexpected withdrawal raises questions about who might step in as a replacement. The 21-year-old has had a breakthrough year and has accumulated $8,347,771 in career earnings. The allure of a $1.5 million participation fee at the Six Kings Slam could tempt him, even though there is a significant risk of exacerbating his injury or tarnishing his reputation with a less-than-stellar performance.
If Draper does not take to the court, three potential candidates stand out as likely substitutes:
- Ben Shelton: Currently the strongest contender to fill Draper’s spot, Shelton is positioned sixth in the ATP Rankings. His entry would ensure that the tournament retains its initial goal of showcasing the top players, as he is also an ATP Masters 1000 champion known for his powerful left-handed serves.
- Holger Rune: Ranked eleventh, Rune also participated in the inaugural event last year, making him a familiar face for the organizers. His non-Grand Slam champion status may have initially raised eyebrows, but his impressive talent continues to attract attention on the tour.
- Joao Fonseca: Although he lacks the accolades of other candidates, the young Brazilian has a rapidly growing fan following and could appeal to the event’s organizers. At just 19, Fonseca’s participation could energize the tournament, although he is also slated for the European Open happening during the same timeframe.
Conclusion
While the situation regarding Draper’s participation remains uncertain, the anticipation for the Six Kings Slam continues to build as fans and players alike eagerly await the event’s commencement this fall. Given Draper’s recent decision to end his season prematurely, it appears more likely that he will not make an appearance in Riyadh for this exhibition match.
