“I don’t play for money. It’s very simple”: Jannik Sinnernumber one in the world, said it in an interview with Eurosport answering a question about the mind-boggling check he took home after the triumph against Carlos Alcarez in the Six Kings Slam. The South Tyrolean established himself in the exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia, winning a staggering prize pool of 6 million dollars. “Of course, it was a nice prize, but I went because there were probably the six best players in the world and you can measure yourself against them and it was also a nice event,” Sinner said.
“I played the matches in the right way and I hope that this can improve me as a player in the future too,” added the Italian tennis player. The other participants of the tournament, however, cashed in the token from 1.5 million dollars, or 1.36 million euros. Sinner is enjoying the best season of his career so far, with two Grand Slam titles in the two hard-court tournaments, as well as five more titles won in Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati and Shanghai.
Speaking about the dualism with the Spaniard Alcaraz, however, Sinner explained: “I always say that it’s not just me and Carlos, you know, it’s very difficult to say this. There are many, many great players and new emerging players. You never know what it’s going to happen, so you always have to work.” The Italian, therefore, said he was focused on work without thinking about the ranking: “I don’t think about it much, now I’m there and I’m just trying to play for it. Of course, it’s never easy, you know, being in that position, but I always say which is a enormous privilege be in this position and try to enjoy some good tennis. The rest I can’t control.”
“I don’t play for money.” ♂️
Jannik Sinner reflects on receiving the biggest prize in tennis history at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/daLllDeSZj
— Eurosport (@eurosport) October 27, 2024