In Saudi Arabia, the “Six Kings Slam” exhibition tournament offers the six top professionals unprecedented income. But how does participation fit in with the loud complaints about a tournament schedule that is too tight?
The offer is so attractive that the additional effort is readily accepted. After all, a lot of money is at stake in the “Six Kings Slam” (October 16th to 19th). The starting bonus for each individual participant alone is $1.5 million. The winner will also receive a staggering prize of six million US dollars.
So it’s no wonder that the industry’s top stars, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune and Carlos Alcaraz, flew to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a few days to take part in this most lucrative tennis spectacle of all Time.
Alcaraz complains
But is it really that obvious? Last but not least, tennis professionals have long been complaining about the constant stress caused by too many tournaments and too many matches, which is exacerbated by travel and the constant time changes.
“I am one of those players for whom there are too many compulsory tournaments per year. And there will probably be even more in the next few years. This will kill us.” Young star Alcaraz complained in September. And he is anything but alone.
Clear specifications from the ATP
The ATP’s requirements are clear: the players in the top 50 are obliged to take part in twelve tournaments. Eight in the 1000 series champion series as well as the four Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open) – unless this is prevented by an injury. Anyone who doesn’t achieve this gets zero points for the world rankings.
In addition, the professionals must play at least six additional tournaments of their own choosing, so that they have taken part in a total of at least 18 competitions in a year in order to receive points in the world rankings. Any participation beyond this is voluntary and is up to each player.
Stress higher than that of professional footballers
The players’ criticism didn’t take long to arrive. “If someone complains about the great stress and then plays a show tournament, then that’s a bit strange.” DTB President Dietloff von Arnim noticed that recently.
And the former top German professional Philipp Kohlschreiber also has his own opinion on this topic – also with a view to the enormous earning potential: “Many players would also like to go there. But you can’t complain about that.”
“Basically, the tennis season is very long because it is a year-round season,” says Philipp Born from the German Sport University Cologne to the Sportschau. “In other sports there is no season that is so long.” And in comparison to the popular sport of football, for example: the strain on tennis professionals is significantly higher,” says the sports scientist. When a player is in the top 100, he has very few breaks.
Load control like Federer and Nadal
For long-time German professional coach Jan de Witt, the public criticism seems entirely justified, but points to a detailed approach.
“Anyone who has to deal with this should take a look at how Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer did it back then. “What we do is always about balance,” says the 59-year-old, who has trained the French Gael Monfils and Andrea Petkovic, among others, to the sports show.
De Witt also points out the correct division of the entire tennis year for each player. “Load control must be timely and sensible. Then you can also take part in a show tournament.”
Basically, de Witt is of the opinion: “What works is to play 20 to 25 tournaments a year. But what doesn’t work anymore is playing 30 or more tournaments. At some point Roger only played 18 to 19 tournaments,” says de Witt. “Then it’s about the overall burden on each individual. But everyone has to find out for themselves.”
Show tournaments are for relaxation
The experienced coach sees another important aspect in a show tournament like this Laver Cup or just this “Six Kings Slam”.
“An exhibition tournament like this is much less emotionally stressful for the players. You just don’t have any stress. But the show on offer is still good. 90 percent of the spectators probably won’t even notice that the players are there. “I don’t take it seriously,” says de Witt.
Rather, the professionals use the ample time away from their games for training and recovery sessions. “It’s like a vacation week for the players or a very well-paid training week.”
