Jannik Sinner defends controversial and ‘ironic’ comments about Saudi money

Jannik Sinner caused a lot of controversy when he suggested that he would not compete in the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament due to the money on offer.

Sinner, the world number one, took home a staggering $7.5 million at the Rijhad tournament earlier this month, with his $6 million prize money for winning the tournament backed by a $1.5 million appearance fee.

Many observers have expressed concern about the financial windfall, which far exceeds anything on offer at Grand Slam tournaments, with Sinner winning more for winning three matches than many players earn in an entire career.

However, the Italian denied claims he signed up for the Six Kings Slam to cash in on the big rewards on offer as he insisted he traveled to Riyhad to compete in the sporting event.

“I don’t play for money. It’s very simple,” Sinner told Eurosport in a video on social networks that caused a huge response.

“Obviously it’s a good prize and all that, but I went there because there were probably six of the best players in the world there. And then you can measure yourself against them.

“It was also a pleasant event for me. It was my first time visiting Riyadh and it was great.

“When you come back a winner, for me it was more than just, okay, I played the matches right and hopefully this will help me improve as a player in the future.”

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka responded to Sinner’s claims with a laughing X emoji and now Roger Federer’s former coach Paul Annacone has given his verdict.

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Speaking to Tennis Channel, Annacone insisted that Sinner makes no apologies for raising big money at the showcase event.

“Look, this is big business,” Annacone began. “I don’t think he plays just for the money. Obviously he has a lot more integrity.

“But like any big business, players have to pay to go to certain places at certain times of the year, and of course these were the best players in the world and the opportunity to meet them, but it was also an opportunity to make the right business decision for him .

“There’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t think he needs to defend himself, gambling or not.

“The way he said it was ironic. This is what we always talk about with the best players. Was there a lot of money thrown away there?

Sinner has confirmed that he hopes to return to the Six Kings Slam in 2025, and given the finances involved, it seems inevitable that more tennis events will be staged in Saudi Arabia from now on.

There are speculations that the Miami Open and Madrid Open are up for sale, with their owners hoping to offload the events and possible investment from Saudi Arabia.

The ATP and WTA tournaments have also confirmed that they are open to investment from Saudi Arabia, so criticism of Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune for participating in the Six Kings Slam may look misplaced if tennis executives develop . closer ties with the Arab Kingdom.