Saturday, October 19, 2024, 11:24 p.m.
| Updated 11:53 p.m.
Carlos Alcaraz continues to establish himself as one of the most dominant figures in world tennis, but this time it was Jannik Sinner who took the victory in the final of the <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2024/02/a-new-exhibition-tournament-in-saudi-arabia-with-novak-djokovic-and-rafael-nadal/" title="A new exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal”>Six Kings Slam, the first tournament held in Saudi Arabia with the largest monetary prize in the history of the tennis: 7.5 million dollars for the winner. In an epic duel that many now consider a new sports classic, Sinner beat Alcaraz in a close match, with a final score of 6-7, 6-3 and 6-3, thus obtaining his fifth victory in 12 matches with the Murcian
The match was an impressive display of talent and resilience from both players, highlighting the growing rivalry they have developed in recent years. With this victory, Sinner closes the gap in the face to face, where Alcaraz continues to lead with seven wins compared to five for the Italian. In addition, Sinner managed to beat the Spaniard for the first time in 2024, thus interrupting the streak of four consecutive victories that Alcaraz had accumulated up to that point, including his recent victory in the final in Beijing.
The Six Kings Slam, an innovative tournament that debuted in Saudi Arabia, brought together the best rackets in the world. In the semifinals, Sinner beat Novak Djokovic in an intense match 6-2, 6-7 and 6-4, while Alcaraz defeated Rafa Nadal by a double 6-3, thus preparing an unforgettable final between two of the talents most promising in world tennis.
Sinner was the first to strike, achieving a break over Alcaraz on the Murcian’s second serve with a great return on the second serve. The Italian maintained his game thanks to powerful serves, until Alcaraz got two break points and took advantage of the first. Sinner had the opportunity to return the break in the next game, but Alcaraz neutralized him with a great serve and a precise forehand to tie it 4-4. The set was decided in an intense tie-break, with long exchanges. Sinner missed two key points: a ball that went long and another that ended up in the net. Although Alcaraz briefly lost the advantage by rushing to the net, he quickly regained it and won the first set 7-6.
In the second set, both tennis players began winning their respective games. However, at one point, the match had to be briefly stopped because the lights went out for the introductory show. The match continued with the same intensity as in the first set. During Alcaraz’s second game Sinner managed to break his serve. On the Spaniard’s next serve, Alcaraz had to save four break points, the last with a great volley.
Later, it was Alcaraz who got three breakaway opportunities and took advantage of the first one to take the lead. However, in the next game Sinner had two break points, and the second was an error by Alcaraz, who left the ball long, leaving him behind again on the scoreboard. In the next game Alcaraz had two set points, but it was Sinner who finally took the second set 6-3.
In the final round Sinner was the first to hit, but Alcaraz managed to avoid the break. Both tennis players continued to win their games, maintaining the intensity of the set. Sinner had another breakaway chance after a double fault from Alcaraz, and after placing the ball on a plate, he made no mistake. With three balls to take the first Six Kings Slam, Sinner did it the first time.
After Alcaraz’s defeat, both he and Sinner are preparing to play the Paris Masters 1,000 the last week of October, before playing the Davis Cup. In addition, a week before the final phase in Malaga, both will participate in the ATP Finals in Italy.
