Saudi Arabian organizers have postponed the third edition of the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament from October to December 27-30, 2026. The decision follows a series of Houthi attacks on the kingdom, including strikes on Riyadh’s international airport, which created significant security and logistical disruptions.
The high-stakes exhibition, designed to bring the world’s elite male players to Riyadh, was originally set for October 21, 22, and 24. Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, announced the shift on Wednesday, citing organisational and logistical challenges.
Houthi Attacks Disrupt Saudi Pro League Fixtures
Security concerns have mounted following a spate of attacks by Yemen’s Houthis. These events have created a volatile environment for international sporting events. Further instability was noted Wednesday when two regional officials reported that an overnight Houthi strike hit offices belonging to senior executives of the Saudi oil giant Aramco at the company’s headquarters in Cairo.
The instability has rippled across other sports in the kingdom. The Saudi Pro League postponed three fixtures involving Riyadh-based teams, including a match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli, which is now rescheduled for March 6, 2027. Other disruptions include the cancellation of the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April and the relocation of the WTA Finals from Riyadh to Indian Wells in the US. On Monday, an AFC Champions League match in Riyadh between Al-Nassr and Uzbek side Neftchi Fergana was delayed by one hour after the coalition intercepted a missile.
Six Kings Slam Field Excludes Injured Jannik Sinner
The Six Kings Slam remains one of the most lucrative exhibition events in tennis. For the 2026 edition, the field includes Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, and Learner Tien.
The tournament’s history is dominated by Italy’s Jannik Sinner, who won the first two editions in 2024 and 2025 by defeating Alcaraz in both finals. Sinner previously earned a record $6 million for a victory, but he is unable to participate this year due to a knee injury.
“The atmosphere is always incredible, and it’s a privilege to be part of such a unique event alongside some of the best players in the world.”
Carlos Alcaraz
Riyadh Season’s Logistical Justification
Organizers from Riyadh Season, an annual winter festival of culture, sports, and entertainment, framed the postponement as a necessity to maintain the event’s prestige and spectator safety. The move follows a study of how current challenges could affect the quality of the experience offered to the public
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“The decision reflects Riyadh Season’s commitment to delivering sporting events to the highest standards, following an assessment of the organisational and logistical challenges associated with hosting the tournament and their potential impact on the quality of the audience experience,”
Riyadh Season Statement, via Sky Sports
Australian Open Scheduling Conflicts
While the December 27-30 dates provide a new window, they introduce a fresh complication for the athletes. The rearranged event now falls just two weeks before the start of the Australian Open.
As reported by the Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, this creates a clash with the players’ essential build-up period for the first Grand Slam of the year. This scheduling conflict may lead some of the top stars to pull out of the tournament entirely to prioritize their preparation for Melbourne.
Other international bodies are also weighing the risks. While the FIFAe World Cup is proceeding in Jeddah from October 16-25, the Japan Football Association has declined to participate after assessing the current security situation in the host country. Football Australia has also stated its security team is monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, golf’s Asian Tour is monitoring security ahead of next month’s Saudi International in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is also preparing to host the soccer Asian Cup for the first time in 2027 as a test before the 2034 World Cup.