Jannik Sinner is scheduled to make his competitive return at the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia, according to an announcement by organisers on Monday. The event was rescheduled to December due to recent security concerns in the region.
Return at Rescheduled Riyadh Event
The 25-year-old Italian player, who won the tournament’s previous two editions, had stated earlier in the month that he would not compete again in 2026 while recovering from a knee injury sustained at Wimbledon in July. That physical issue previously forced him to miss the European indoor hardcourt swing and the ATP Finals in Turin.
The lucrative non-ATP exhibition in Riyadh was originally scheduled for October 21 to 24, but organisers shifted the dates to December 27 to 30. The postponement followed an attack on the international airport in Riyadh by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, which resulted in 13 deaths. These security issues also led to the relocation of January’s Dakar Rally and the indefinite postponement of golf’s Saudi International on the Asian Tour.
Sinner previously defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the last two finals, collecting six million dollars on each occasion. The player lineup for the upcoming tournament also features Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur. Zverev has already secured the position of the ATP’s year-end world number one for 2026 after capturing two major titles during a season shaped by fitness struggles for both Sinner and Alcaraz.
Earlier Season Shutdown Announcement
Sinner previously updated supporters via social media regarding the premature conclusion of his 2026 campaign.
“Hello everyone, I’d like to give you a little update, me together with the doctors have decided I need a course of treatment for my knee, which means that the 2026 season is officially over,” Sinner stated to his fans.
“The last couple of years, especially the ending in Turin, gave me so many beautiful feelings and emotions, this year is going to be way different, but at the moment, I also need to think about my long-term career.”
“I will do everything possible to get back to 100 per cent, I will thank you already in advance for your support and hope to see you very, very soon on court again. Ciao, Ciao.”
At age 25, Sinner has accumulated five major titles throughout his career, leaving only the French Open championship remaining to complete a career grand slam.
