“Everyone also works for money”: Carlos Alcaraz justifies his participation in the Six Kings Slam

A nice sum of 5.5 million euros for three games was too tempting. From 16 to 19 October, Carlos Alcaraz and five other players among the 10 best tennis players in the world took part in the famous Six Kings Slam, where the prize money was inversely proportional to the spectacle offered. Won by Jannik Sinner, this competition sparked controversy, with some such as Andy Murray judging that “no one cares”. The Italian himself denied having participated exclusively for economic reasons, without really convincing his audience.

Asked about it in a press conference on the sidelines of his entry into the race at the Rolex Paris Masters, Carlos Alcaraz did not follow his rival. Honestly, the Spaniard acknowledged that money is a motivation, although the passion for tennis also comes into play. “If I said I went there just for fun and didn’t think about money, I’d be lying,” he said, after a long moment of hesitation and a nervous laugh.

“Everyone also works for money, life is like that,” he added. I love playing tennis. Most of the time I don’t think about money, I just play for fun. But you have to be realistic, we all want to make money, that’s how it is. In Saudi Arabia it was the highest prize money in history, so it was a good motivation, at least for me. »

Despite everything, Carlos Alcaraz did not win the tournament. After beating Holger Rune (6-4, 6-2) in the first round, the world number 2 faced his illustrious compatriot Rafael Nadal (6-3, 6-3), before losing in the final to Jannik Sinner ( 6-7, 6-3, 6-3).