(Video) Rafael Nadal arrives in Riyadh for Six Kings Slam days after announcing retirement
Rafael Nadal is set to take part in the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition event including the likes of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and others.
Rafael Nadal reaches Riyadh for Six Kings Slam (Images via Imago, X)
Days after announcing his retirement, Rafael Nadal arrived in Riyadh to participate in the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition event. The 38-year-old reached the Saudi Arabian capital on Sunday (October 13) evening and received a warm welcome from the organizers.
The Six Kings Slam is set to take place in Riyadh from October 16-19. According to reports, each player will be paid a £1.2 million appearance fee while the winner will pocket a stunning £4.8 million.
Nadal was presented with a bouquet on arrival and he also signed a few autographs. The 22-time Grand Slam champion then had a cup of tea. The video of the Spanish ace arriving for the exhibition event has since been shared widely on social media.
Watch the video below:
Rafael Nadal has arrived in Riyadh and is ready for the challenge at #SixKingsSlam ??
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) October 13, 2024
Book your ticket now ?️https://t.co/vND8uMPBhw#BigTime#RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/hjKsSWL5zU
Nadal will feature in the event alongside Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. The Mallorca native has been given a bye and will directly play in the semifinals. He is set to face the winner of the match between Alcaraz and Rune.
Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic on the cards for one last time
Rafael Nadal will be in action for the first time since the Paris Olympics, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the second round of the singles. However, there is a chance for Nadal to avenge that defeat and end his rivalry with Djokovic on a high.
The two players have enjoyed a great rivalry in their careers so far, with Djokovic leading the head-to-head record 31-29. While that record cannot be changed, as the Six Kings Slam is an exhibition event, Nadal can beat his nemesis for one last time, if the two meet in the final of the tournament.
Like Nadal, Djokovic has also received a bye in the first round and has moved to the semifinals, where he will face either Daniil Medvedev or Jannik Sinner. If the Serbian and Nadal win their respective semifinals, the two will face off in the title match.
Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)